Eden Hazard’s controversial stoppage time penalty salvaged a draw against West Brom at Stamford Bridge today but it’s is of little consolation following an unacceptable performance from Chelsea.
Steve Clarke was close to earning all three points with his Baggies side at his former club but Andre Marriner awarded the home side a soft spot-kick when Ramires went to ground after going shoulder-to-shoulder with Steven Reid.
In the aftermath of the match there were headlines about how Mourinho’s home record at Stamford Bridge is still intact but his personal accolade isn’t important as his side were an absolute mess today and as manager the buck stops with him.
The Blues were slow, unimaginative, listless and predictable today as they had plenty of possession once again but not quality of possession as they were non-existent in the final third for much of the game, just as they were in the Newcastle United game at St James’ Park. It simply wasn’t good enough.
Samuel Eto’o gave opened the scoring shortly before the break and I was expecting a change or two at half time as Chelsea didn’t look good for their lead and didn’t convince, yet they weren’t forthcoming. As it was the repetitive nature of the West London side’s play did not threaten West Brom. A typical pattern of play often ended with Branislav Ivanovic and his numerous ill-fated attempts to cross a ball.
When Shane Long levelled the scoring I, along with many others, was not shocked as it looked as though it was on the cards and I hoped that it’d give the lads a kick up the backside but I grew really worried when Stephane Sessegnon gave Clarke’s team the lead only eight minutes later.
I could hardly begrudge them of the win at this point as Chelsea just weren’t at the races but after needing a dodgy penalty to scrabble a point at home against a side in 11th left me feeling possibly more sheepish than before.