
Chelsea
manager Jose Mourinho insisted he was content with a point after his side
were held to a goalless draw by Sunderland on
Saturday Night Football.
It is the first time this season that the Blues have failed to score and
rarely did they look like breaking the deadlock against a stubborn
Sunderland defence.
Mourinho, though, had no complaints about the displays of either team and
said it was a point gained for the unbeaten Blues.
“I have nothing negative to say about my team,” he said. “It was a difficult
match. Only one team wanted to win, the other wanted to stop us winning, but
they did well.
"They defended a lot but they defended well. Defending a lot and well is not
a crime, it’s part of the game, it’s strategy and they were successful in
their approach.
“My players tried everything, we took risks and ended the game with tired
players, which gave them a bit of space and a few chances.”
For most of the game chances were at a premium as Sunderland defended deeply
and attempted to hit the league leaders on the break.
They created a couple of opportunities in the second half but neither
goalkeeper was seriously tested as the Black Cats drew their third match in
a row.
“They defended very well and the lines were very good,” said Mourinho. “We
had a lot of the ball, we tried and didn’t change our football, we tried to
play. In the last part we brought on fresh players to try and have more
depth in attack but the game was always difficult.”
The draw sees Chelsea extend their lead at the top to seven points although
that could be cut when second-placed Southampton host Manchester City on
Super Sunday.