Chelsea’s disappointing 1-1 home draw with Southampton on Sunday could mean the Premier League title battle is no longer a two-horse race, according to manager Jose Mourinho.
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It has appeared for months that the championship crown would go to leaders Chelsea or second-placed Manchester City but Mourinho believes it would be unwise to rule out teams like Arsenal and Manchester United.
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“I agree that Chelsea not winning at home is not a good result but we had a five-point lead before the match and afterwards we have a six-point lead,” the Portuguese told reporters at Stamford Bridge.
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“I’m happy with the situation and the six-point lead but not happy with the result. There is a danger of more teams being in the title race.”
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Third-placed Arsenal are seven points off the pace while United, in fourth, trail by eight points although Chelsea have a game in hand on all three of their rivals.
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Chelsea grabbed the lead with an early header from Diego Costa before Southampton deservedly equalised in the 19th minute thanks to a Dusan Tadic penalty.
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The visitors gained in belief after drawing level and could easily have gone in front by halftime with the tricky Sadio Mane a constant threat.
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Chelsea, though, were much improved after the break and only a string of fine saves by the excellent Fraser Forster kept them at bay.
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“The result is positive rather than negative,” said Mourinho. “The performance until the penalty, the team was stable and was playing not amazingly well but with control.
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“Towards the end of the first half we lost control.”
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Mourinho said his decision to bring on Brazilian Ramires for Nemanja Matic early in the second half to shore up the midfield was vindicated.
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“Ramires improved the team,” he added. “He gave complete stability and we had control over their counter attacks.
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“After that they stayed back. We deserved to score. The team needed stability to perform again and Ramires brought that stability.
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“We created lots of chances in the second half to win the game. We were unlucky we couldn’t score.
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“I didn’t like the moments after the penalty, the remaining minutes of the first half. When you are winning 1-0 you are on top, then they get a penalty and the opponent gets confidence.”
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