Hiddink rues dropped points but claims top four is ‘mathematically possible’

The Blues took the lead on two occasions, but their opponents managed to level both times as each team went home with a point.

Argentina midfielder Yacob was on a yellow card when he stopped a Chelsea break by hauling down Oscar, but referee Anthony Taylor allowed him to remain on the pitch. It is up to Guus Hiddink to show his side can win week in and week out, and the West Brom game is an achievable way of doing so.

The subdued Spain winger was withdrawn for Kenedy at half-time and the Brazilian gave Chelsea much-needed pace and penetration in an increasingly disjointed contest.

However, Hiddink is satisfied Costa did not cross the line despite being booked for a nasty challenge on Gardner in the second half.

Kenedy next powered down the left and Costa looked to join the attack, only to tumble in front of Yacob.

The Baggies, meanwhile, brought back Jonas Olsson, James McClean and Salomon Rondon in place of Craig Gardner, Rickie Lambert and Stephane Sessegnon, although unsettled striker Saido Berahino was once again only a substitute.

The 28-year-old continued to defend Costa, saying that the gamesmanship and physicality was just part of the Chelsea frontman’s make-up.

It seemed as if Chelsea were rediscovering that ruthless winning habit but, in the 86th minute, the ball bounced off Zouma into the path of McLean who shot superbly past Courtois from the edge of the penalty area.

The improvement in performances has been marked however, although West Brom manager Tony Pulis had launched a spirited defence of Hiddink s predecessor Jose Mourinho, insisting before the game it was disrespectful to suggest Chelsea s transformation was exclusively down to the change in manager.

“We can all aim at Diego, but there is more at stake at that moment”.

“I told him: ‘This is one of the worst referees of the Premier League I have experienced, ‘” said Hiddink, who had a prior caretaker spell at Chelsea in 2009.

Spanish defender, Cesar Azpilicueta broke the deadlock on 21 minutes, converting home from close range following a sumptuous cross from Branislav Ivanovic. It’s somewhat unlikely considering the fact that Chelsea have been inconsistent all season long but a mercurial winning run would most definitely get them amongst the top four at the end of the season. Nevertheless, he should control himself.