Chelsea maintain their place at the top of the Premier League following a crucial 1-0 victory over Roberto Martinez’s Everton but were lucky to do so.
The Blues created more than their opponents at Stamford Bridge today but did not truly trouble the away side for much of the game. It’s often said that grabbing injury-time wins represents the stuff champions are made of and Jose Mourinho knows a thing or two about winning titles, but he’ll be counting his blessings today.
Mourinho looked a little concerned as the second half was drawing to a close and his nerviness showed in his changes. The Portuguese manager was quick to axe the appalling Oscar for the boundless energy of his countryman Ramires after the break and raised a few eyebrows when hooking Willian off for Fernando Torres – forcing another change in shape – before throwing on Andre Schurrle as a last-ditch attempt to get on the scoresheet.
Luckily, Ramires ended up playing an important part in proceedings as he bought the free-kick that the Blues eventually converted from. Frank Lampard, who wasn’t having a good day up until this point, played an in-swinger and John Terry slid in with Tim Howard – resulting in the ball landing in the back of the Everton net.
Terry was a sight for sore eyes today and it was only fitting that he helped Chelsea on their way to victory while picking up another clean sheet as the Blues have been a little iffy in the defence during his short absence. The skipper has enjoyed a new lease of life since Mourinho returned to West London and has been one of, if not the, best performers in a blue shirt this season.
Mourinho will expect better from his side but this is the sort of match we would have dropped points in last season and that makes a huge difference.
