Jose Mourinho: Chelsea looking up after impressive display against Spurs

Diego Costa is expected to return to the Chelsea starting lineup for the Premier League game against Bournemouth on Saturday despite making his frustrations clear at being dropped to the bench for the draw at Tottenham.

Redknapp wrote in his Daily Telegraph column: ‘I would imagine there was only one person who left White Hart Lane properly content with what they saw: Jose Mourinho. “It was just a decision and I think we played really well, the dynamic was really good”, Mourinho told BT Sport.

“Everybody was on the bench”.

“Today we thought the best strategy was this one”.

“We have to feel happy”.

In the 92nd minute of the clash, an infuriated Costa threw his training bib in the air, presumably aiming towards Mourinho.

Costa struggled with hamstring problems last season, but Mourinho said there were no issues with his condition. A top player going on the bench? “We start the season as a team and we have to finish as a team”, said Ivanovic.

Reports continue that Chelsea are looking for a new striker in January – with Kane among those linked – and the speculation is likely to heighten after Costa’s omission.

Costa’s sulk was the latest sign of tension between him and Mourinho, coming just a few days after their bust-up during Chelsea’s 4-0 Champions League win at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Turning his back on the bench, he tossed his warm-up bib away behind him in disgust. “Why change if we think we can not improve?”

‘Sure, they may not have made many chances – though Eden Hazard might have nicked it at the end – but Mourinho will have been more than pleased with that. James Milner’s second-half penalty secured the 1-0 victory over Swansea following Neil Taylor’s handball.

Eden Hazard accepts Jose Mourinho is “the boss” at Chelsea, following the manager’s claim that the Belgian isn’t his ideal No.10. I am happy with my decision and the players.

“I think we can look to December with enthusiasm”.

Reigning champions Chelsea went into the match only four points above the relegation zone, so will view this as a platform from which to kick-start their stuttering league season. I’m really happy with the performance. We’re a bit disappointed. Although Spurs are unbeaten in the league since the opening day of the season at Manchester United, half of the 14 games have been drawn. “We created enough chances to score”. We all know what he’s capable of and he not moving anywhere near as much.

“Chelsea had only one shot on target and it was a good save from Hugo Lloris”, Pochettino said. I demand a lot from someone in that position.