Following yesterday’s 4-0 win over Tottenham, Chelsea have now only conceded 4 times in all competitions since the turn of the year and it is all down to the fact that Chelsea’s defence hasn’t changed too much, with Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry and Azpilicueta the regular starters in Chelsea’s defence.
It is the 7th time in 10 matches that Peter Cech’s goal has not been breached and it has helped the London based club open up a 7 point gap at the top of the Premier League table.
Jose Mourinho again played down his side’s chances of winning the Premier League and again insisted that it is still Manchester City’s to lose.
But he was quick to heap praise on his backline, with special praise reserved Cesar Azpilicueta.
“We work, we prepare matches, we analyse opponents. You try and find the best balance.” Mourinho said.
“Defensively you try and make a shape, you try to find a balance. I like Ivanovic playing right-back more than as a central defender.
“I like alot the stability of Cahill and the understanding of Chaill with John (Terry).
“And I think, at this moment, Azpilicueta is unbeatable. For many, many matches I haven’t seen one player Azpilicueta in an individual duel.
“The team is compact, we have a good balance, we are playing well defensively.
“We were all calm. No mistakes, no defensive mistakes. They had control of the ball and of the game but they didn’t scare us. That’s a good feeling.
“We were very mature. You have to cope with what the game has to give you and sometimes the game gives you a fantastic game, sometimes the game gives you a difficult game and we coped very well with a diffcult first half.
“When you are not on the top of your game, but you feel they are not very dangerous, keep calm and you wait for your moment.”
