Chelsea 3 Stoke 0: Mourinho plays down title hopes after win

Jose Mourinho insisted that Chelsea remain underdogs in the Premier League title race, despite watching his side move top of the table with victory over Stoke.

The impressive Mohamed Salah gave the Blues the lead in the 32nd minute at Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard then made it 2-0 when he scored his penalty at the second attempt after he was fouled by Andy Wilkinson in the box.

I think the team played well and we were solid defensively

Jose Mourinho

And Willian curled in a superb third to open up a one-point lead over Liverpool, who travel to West Ham United on Sunday.

“I keep saying the same thing. We don’t depend on ourselves and we never did,” said Mourinho.

“I was waiting to be top of the league and depending on ourselves but that has never happened. We depend too much on other results.

“We have to play Liverpool so we have three points to discuss with them but with Manchester City we don’t play them, so they have it in their hands.”

Mourinho was pleased with his side’s response after back-to-back defeats by Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain.

“I think the team played well and we were solid defensively,” he said. “That was only possible with the contribution of every player.

“With the ball we were fast, Mohamed Salah and Willian won individual duals.

“It’s a pity Fernando Torres didn’t score because goals give confidence but he worked hard for the team and I’m pleased with him.”