Magic man Mourinho inspires Southampton demolition

[BlueLion. 21,491]

José Mourinho's inspired second-half substitutions helped Chelsea overcome a stubborn Southampton to maintain the pressure on league leaders Arsenal.

The Gunners, who only just managed to defeat managerless, hapless Cardiff City, are having their title credentials severely examined by the festive form of both Manchester City and the Blues, who sit just one and two points behind Arsene Wenger's side respectively.

What is most encouraging, though, is whilst Arsenal made hard work of a side that has taken just nine points from the last 30 available, and Manchester City were far from convincing in their 3-2 win at out-of-form Swansea, the Blues were utterly devastating in the second half as a flurry of goals instigated by the majestic Oscar saw them to an ultimately comfortable victory.

Chelsea, whose quick started to proceedings at St Mary's seemed to be little more than a flash-in-the-pan as the home side finished the first period the stronger of the two, were indebted to two tactical changes by their manager mid-way through the second half, as the ineffective Juan Mata and Andre Schurrle were replaced by Oscar and Willian to offer Chelsea some much-needed attacking thrust.

Though Oscar was - somewhat harshly - booked for exaggerating what was admittedly minimal contact when one-on-one with home keeper Kelvin Davis minutes after his introduction, it was his deflected cross that allowed Fernando Torres to bag the opener. Not long later he then played in Willian to rifle home a raking 20-yarder.

The Brazilian magician then added the cherry when he raced clear to prod beyond the onrushing Davis, who had earlier made two outstanding saves to deny Ramires.

Southampton were toothless and looked tired in the second half; something that the Europa League winners were able to pounce upon. But whilst Mata and Schurrle toiled during their 55-minute stints on the field, both Willian and Oscar were exceptional, and played key roles in this mightily impressive victory.

On a day of positives, there was one negative element as Mata looked unimpressed by the decision to haul him off so soon into the second half - but miserly Mourinho was vindicated in his decision as his double substitution totally changed the dynamic of the game, and ultimately won the Blues the points against a side that has impressed and surprised many this season.

Sulk as he might, no man is bigger than the club, and the performances of the two second-half substitutes underlines why Mourinho continues to favour the two Brazilian playmakers alongside Eden Hazard, who collected his third Barclays Man of the Match award in as many games for another effervescent display. On this evidence, Mourinho is right to continue to bench the Spaniard.

Another worthwhile point is Petr Cech - who was totally untroubled throughout - collected his 208th clean sheet for the club, equalling the record set by Peter Bonetti. This impressive feat looks all the more considerable when you take into account the fact Cech has reached the landmark in almost 270 fewer matches.

Overall, this was an impressive display from Chelsea - whilst there were moments in the first period, with Torres looking particularly lively, they failed to really test Davis besides those two opportunities for Ramires. Torres himself (who was good value for his goal today) had already had an early goalbound shot deflected wide by some impressive last-ditch defending.

A major concern for Southampton was a significant head injury suffered by Dejan Lovren - though the former Lyon man was thankfully able to play on, it was, in the end, he and his team-mates that were left concussed by this deadly attacking display by Mourinho's men.

Chelsea have been accused of being boring at times this season, but the quality of football on display here from the Blues was possibly the best their supporters will have seen this campaign so far. The West London outfit are starting to move through the gears - ominous signs indeed for their title rivals.

The issue regarding Juan Mata is the only negative on a day where Mourinho came up trumps. The Special One he remains, and he is most definitely the boss at Stamford Bridge. Mata can sulk and moan as he did when he trudged off the sodden pitch, but, as already suggested, on today's evidence, the Spaniard is well behind Willian and Oscar in terms of form and fitness at present. You really wouldn't be surprised to see him move on this month.

But this is a day to celebrate Chelsea; the team, the club, and not the reactions of a single man. Though, that being said, it must be conceded that this day belongs to the magic-man Mourinho, whose miserly tactical masterclass outdid the Saints here.

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[Stingray 9,441]

Do you fart articles mate?

Love it!

[Sidzeret 2,257]

Great article. Especially likes the Lovren para.

The day was perfect. You seem to be making a huge deal out of the Mata incident.Players do that all the time. Leave him be.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Do you fart articles mate?

Love it!

Haha, I just sit at a keyboard and let those fingers move, baby!

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Great article. Especially likes the Lovren para.

The day was perfect. You seem to be making a huge deal out of the Mata incident.Players do that all the time. Leave him be.

Mata has pissed me off. I won't repeat myself in this topic as this is a thread for the game, not for Mata, but if you check his player database entry you can see my grievances. I think he's acted like a child.

[bushman 2,043]

Yes, Chelsea is starting to shift into higher gears, I feel. Currently, in 4th in recent games. By the end of next two weeks in 5th, just for Manures, then. Start your BMW gals, I have got my revving,