Man City 0 Chelsea 1: Jose Mourinho plays down title hopes
Man City 0 Chelsea 1: Jose Mourinho insists that the title is still the Citizens' to lose after impressive win
Jose Mourinho insisted that the Premier League title is still Manchester City’s to lose despite watching Chelsea become the first top-flight team to win at Etihad Stadium this season.
Branislav Ivanovic smashed home the only goal of the game from the edge of the box in the 32nd minute as the visitors men carved a number of chances and hit the woodwork three times.
What we are doing this season is what Arsenal have been building to for years
Jose Mourinho
The victory put Chelsea level with City and two behind leaders Arsenal, but Mourinho insisted that Manuel Pellegrini’s are still the clear favourites for the title.
“We are there but we are not favourites,” Mourinho said. “I just think it [the win] is very important because it’s not good for the evolution of the team if you are playing 10 or 15 points behind the leaders.
“The next pre-season, me and my players will say openly that we are mature, solid from day one and are candidates for the league. This season is about evolution.
“We can [win the title] if they lose it [Manchester City]. Arsenal are working for many, many years for the evolution of their team.
“What we are doing this season is what Arsenal have been building to for years.
“It means nothing for us to come here and park the bus and win 1-0 in a lucky situation. The evolution is more important.”
Mourinho was also quick to lavish praise on his side’s overall display as they impressed against the usually free-flowing Citizens.
“I think we were fantastic,” he continued. “Against a fantastic team, to play the way we did is amazing for the boys.
“In this process of building the team and preparing to be one of the favourites next season, I think this is a very important step. We have beaten the best team in the Premier League twice.
“They had a couple of chances to score but we had the better chances to kill the game – and the players played with fantastic spirit, the way I was trying to explain, but you never know how things will go.
“We were ready to work defensively without the ball, with the ball we were trying to play and we played really well.”
