Hiddink: Chelsea are in a relegation battle

Chelsea’s Dutch manager Guus Hiddink watches from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge in London on January 13, 2016 RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE.

West Brom coach Tony Pulis praised his players for the draw.

The game was best summed up at times by the snapshots of Roman Abramovich, wrapped up in a club coat and appearing bored while alone in his executive box, as the players he pays so well offered little in the first half.

“I talk to him this morning for a few minutes”.

“Did he cross the line? We’ll make a decision on whether he will be able to face Arsenal next week”, Hiddink said. “Those clashes, I didn’t see any bad things in this”. It was a challenge at high men level. “If we don’t press them and get up against them then they will show us why they are a top club and a top team”. “He works with the young players, he’s here early and always has a great attitude”.

Only Everton looked like scoring: Bryan Oviedo sidefooted wide, Romelu Lukaku cut through the defense but struck off-target and Kevin Mirallas beat Kurt Zouma but not Thibaut Courtois, who pushed away the low shot.

Cesar Azpilicueta’s goal was cancelled out by substitute Craig Gardner before Northern Ireland worldwide Gareth McAuley deflected Willian’s cross into his own net.

Last night, Albion were far more attacking than usual away from home and they were rewarded for their adventure with a James McClean equaliser four minutes from time.

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has told his players ahead of the visit of Everton they can not afford to drop more points at home if they are to have any chance of finishing in the Premier League’s top four.

The team, who eased to the title last season, are 14th in the table, six points above the relegation zone, which is now occupied by Sunderland, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

But against West Brom the flaws that surfaced during their dismal first half of the season resurfaced, with Hiddink’s side guilty of conceding two sloppy goals and Diego Costa once again apparently intent on staging a running battle with his opponents.

Chelsea’s Diego Costa (second left) complains to referee Anthony Taylor after full-time at Stamford Bridge.

“We were disappointed with the goal but we did not anticipate on this loss of possession of the ball”, he said.

“I don’t think he was out of order, he was on the edge, but it was both ways”.