After Jose Mourinho’ comments last week about how he didn’t enjoy West Ham’s negative tactics against them, there was pressure on the Portuguese coach to come up with a master plan against the free-flowing Manchester City side who were looking to go back top of the Premier League.
He managed to do just that, as the Blues ran out 1-0 winners in what was a perfect outing for those associated with the west London club.
For me, the game was won in midfield. With Fernandinho missing out for City, it allowed Nemanja Matic – who was making his first step for the club since his return last month, to run the show alongside David Luiz, who put in a mature display.
Despite being up against Yaya Toure, Matic dwarfed the Ivorian in terms of performance and got the better of him in a couple of individual battles.
The Serb is not the most fashionable of players but he picked away at the City players and made life difficult for them throughout the game. He attempted nine tackles, made two interceptions and was on hand to make 11 clearances – eight of which came deep inside his own half.
He also looked impressive going forward, moving the ball quickly and striking the bar with his only shot of the game.
Mourinho and the Chelsea fans have every right to be thrilled with his performance.
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