Jose Mourinho has accused Chelsea of being defensive in their ascent to the top. Gary Neville rightly dismissed these claims on Monday Night Football.
Antonio Conte has done an incredible job leading Chelsea to the top of the Premier League. However, once you are at the top, those under you will do anything to bring you down. Jose Mourinho recently criticised the Blues for being defensive, something that Gary Neville contested on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
Following their victory over Watford, Mourinho declared Chelsea a very good defensive team.
"Chelsea are a very good defensive team. They defend very well and with lots of players and I think in this situation a very defensive team wins the title with counter-attack goals and set pieces goals. – via Metro"
Given that the Blues have scored the second highest number of goals this season (52), this statement is flawed. Discussing the comments on MNF, Neville saw through Mourinho’s ignorance to potential jealousy.
"He’s probably envious, probably saying it as a compliment, because when I watch Chelsea they look balanced to me, the right mix of what you would like. I’ve never watched Chelsea this season and thought they were really boring. – via Daily Mail"
Chelsea have certainly been involved in some gritty and resilient wins, but that is part and parcel of being champions. Not every game will go your way. The teams that can battle to a win on a difficult afternoon are the ones that will find themselves at the top in May.
Having said that, the Blues have consistently entertained. Bar the two draws with Liverpool and Burnley, Chelsea have scored two or more goals in each game since December 17. Arsenal and Liverpool have tallied just two more goals than the West Londoners in this league campaign.
With Eden Hazard and Pedro pulling the strings, the Blues have been far from boring. The endeavour of Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses to get forward and support has added to the club’s attacking threat.
Mourinho is evidently employing the mind-games that he has become synonymous with. Throughout his career, the Portuguese tactician has used the media as a tool to get under the skin of his rivals.
However, Chelsea are so far ahead of Manchester United that they should pay no attention. Having dropped points at the weekend, the Blues need to keep focused on closing out this season. On paper, they should easily canter to the title. If they start listening to the likes of Mourinho, their charge could be derailed.
Antonio Conte is a smart man. Expect him to ensure that his players ignore any unjust criticism as the Premier League crown dawns.