Jose Mourinho's Chelsea barely looked like potential Barclays Premier League champions as Nigerian foward, Victor Anichebe grabbed a late equaliser for West Brom.
Chelsea were poised to move four points clear at the top of the table on the back of defender Branislav Ivanovic's injury-time strike in the first half at The Hawthorns.
But substitute Anichebe flicked home his third goal of the season in the 87th minute to make it 1-1 and thwart the Blues, who had lost on their last two visits to this part of the West Midlands.
After all the hype in the wake of their stunning win at Manchester City and Eden Hazard-inspired thumping of Newcastle on Saturday, Mourinho's side were undoubtedly off the boil against the Baggies.
Perhaps Mourinho does have a point after all, that his side are the "little horses" in this year's championship race, as Arsenal and City will have the chance to take over at the summit on Wednesday.
Only Willian can claim to have had an impressive game as it was he who primarily pulled the strings, and who crucially set up the only goal of the first half just as Albion were on the brink of heading into the interval on the back of a creditable 0-0 scoreline.
From Willian's corner into the near post, centre-back David Luiz was left unmarked to flick the ball on with his right foot to the far post where Ivanovic slotted home from three yards.
After the break Willian enjoyed a further three driven efforts, all of which were superbly saved by home goalkeeper Ben Foster.
At least the home side showed greater attacking intent in the second period as James Morrison fired wide, Thievy Bifouma flashed a shot through the six-yard box, while skipper Chris Brunt hammered a half -volley beyond the left-hand post.
With Anichebe on for Bifouma in the 73rd minute, the Nigerian glanced home Saido Berahino's cross three minutes from time to lift Albion back out of the relegation zone.
Come the conclusion it was a fair result, and all credit to Albion who pressed and harried admirably throughout the entire game, even if they failed to record a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes.
It has been the desire of new head coach Pepe Mel to see his players give the opposition not a minute's respite, and Chelsea were rarely allowed any time on the ball at any stage. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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The writer of this article is such a football fanboy, I had to read in the middle to find out who Chelsea were playing. Really guy (because it had to be a man who wrote this) at least make sure you mention the other team playing and don't assume readers will automatically know.
ReplyDeleteGuy dey read well now. See the caption now: Jose Mourinho's Chelsea barely looked like
Deletepotential Barclays Premier League champions
as Nigerian foward, Victor Anichebe grabbed a
late equaliser for West Brom.
I don't blame Femi Aribisala for his up and doing for GEJ for his second term. May be he want appointment then. With what that man has cause masses he should know he doesnt deserve it. Femi believe that voice of a man is a voice of God. If they like let them drink their oil. That oil is even a weapon to fight them alone.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 1 if you follow the EPL very well you would know that Anichebe plays for Westbrom.
ReplyDelete