Football story by Carl Anders, Wed, 09 Nov 2005 09:44:00 GMT


Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho tasted back-to-back defeats for the first time in his managing career at Stamford Bridge as his team lost their first premiership match since they lost to Manchester City to end their 40 match unbeaten run in the premiership.

But Chelsea's "Special One" is not worried that they may face a slump in form as Arsenal did when Man Utd ended their record 49 unbeaten run in the top flight of English football. "When Arsenal lost here the difference was small and they were very close to the other opponents but at he moment we still have a comfortable distance between us and the others," Mourinho said.

Chelsea currently lead the table with the second place team, newly promoted Wigan Athletic, 6 points behind.

Praising them for their gritty second-half display, Mourinho said that though Man Utd won the match, they are still a long way behind in winning the championship saying, "Manchester United defended with great spirit and a lot of effort and their future is only looking better for them now. But they are not good enough to be champions, only to finish closer to us and not drop quite so many points. The same way I give them credit I hope they can realise why Chelsea are champions, top of the League and I believe will be champions again," he added.

In a high quality and fast paced match both the teams had equal chances in the first hour of the match. The first chance of the match fell predictably to Chelsea, who were looking to bounce back from their first legitimate defeat of the season at the of Real Betis in the Champions League, with a great first touch from Didier Drogba to control an exquisite long ball from Frank Lampard and attempted to lob over Van der Sar.

Del Horno then shot wide a great chance from a loopy in-swinging free kick by Damien Duff. Man Utd then came annoying close to taking the lead when Paul Scholes hit a great first time shot which somehow swerved away from the Chelsea goal.

On the stroke of 32nd minute, the young guns of Manchester United showed their determination and brilliance. Rooney superbly controlled a mishit pass by Wes Brown, passed it to Scholes who released Ronaldo on the left flank and flummoxing his Portugal team mate Paulo Ferreira he sent in a deep cross which was met by the head of Darren Fletcher who the looped the ball over Peter Cech and John Terry to score his first goal of the season.

Mourinho said that luck was on United's side suggesting, "I believe he didn't want to score. He just wanted to put the ball in the central area." The second- half saw Chelsea camping in the Man Utd half with many chances going their way the most notable being the shot by Lampard blocked by Van der Sar.

Even though Chelsea lost, Mourinho said that he was proud of the performance given by his team, "We didn't deserve to lose this game. Today we showed why we are champions and why we are top of the league. I believe that there is no problem for us. I am not afraid for the future." The win though, ends Chelsea defender William Gallas' dream of wrapping up the title race before he unwraps his Christmas presents.

The question on the lips of every United fan will be whether the win is a spark that will fizzle out or will it turnout to be a raging fire.

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