Jose Mourinho explains why he signed new Chelsea deal
The Blues drew first blood in the 23rd minute.
The Welsh side snatched a point off the Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge after Bafetimbi Gomis converted a 55th-minute penalty, which had been awarded for Courtois’ foul on the striker just inside the area.
“Every game of pre-season went well, and I can not remember a much better preparation”.
Jamie Vardy struck first after 11 minutes with a header to the bottom right corner and Riyad Mahrez scored in the 18th and from the penalty spot in the 25th.
It was a memorable introduction but one cancelled out inside 100 seconds as Willian’s cross-shot looped in off Fernandez.
The unsafe Gomis had the ball in the net but was ruled offside while Jefferson Montero, who was excellent throughout, forced a fine save from Begovic.
After Eden Hazard and Radamel Falcao had gone close Costa punched the deck in frustration having felt the excellent Ashley Williams had clipped him just outside the box – frustration that summed up Chelsea’s afternoon. A rock in defence, he kept Chelsea’s attack at bay for the most part and stepped up when they threatened a late victor.
Can Iwobi make his debut this weekend?
Indeed, Chelsea fans will remember Ki very well after he helped open the scoring at Stamford Bridge with a well-worked goal last season. The hosts started well enough but were unable to cope with Swansea’s increased intensity, leading to desperation on and off the pitch.
The result comes as a blow to a side who were so impressive at home last season, but Jose Mourinho may well look back on the draw as a positive after Thibaut Courtois was sent off early in the second half.
Mourinho also did not appear to be particularly happy with referee Michael Oliver and his assistants.
“I never played for a draw”.
On paper, the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City have narrowed the gap. “I think the referee got it right”, Monk said.
He looks in great shape at the moment and will be hoping that equates to a start tomorrow.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t get the rub of the green today”, Norwich coach Alex Neil said.
Mourinho would not be drawn on the sending off, saying only, “after that, everything is different“. Red card: Courtois (C) 52.
“We played very well until the second half”.
“The Premier League is a fight in every single game so we have to prepare ourselves mentally for that and come out of the blocks straight away against West Ham”.
“One of our targets is to start strongly, we’ve had good preparation and that should give us much-needed confidence”.
“To play 35 minutes with one player less, the first game of the season when the condition is not sharp, it is hard”.