COMMENT: The Portuguese can now focus on simply
winning matches rather than chasing an almost-mythical record and has
been vindicated in his recent caution in interviews
As so often before, the Special One turned out to be Correct One. Chelsea’s unbeaten run and hopes of matching Arsenal’s Invincibles evaporated on Tyneside with a defeat that may yet turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
The opportunity to emulate Arsenal’s 2004 vintage vanished with two predatory finishes from a familiar foe Papiss Cisse and though he would never admit it publicly, Mourinho might be relieved that he can now focus on simply winning rather than smashing records.
While many have written off the chasing pack in the wake of a relentless and remorseless Chelsea juggernaut, their own manager’s messages in recent weeks have been laced with caution. Sunderland threatened an upset on Chelsea’s last visit to the north east a week ago, while Tottenham, before an inevitable capitulation, exposed several chinks in what had previously appeared to be impenetrable armour.
Newcastle took inspiration from their local rivals and sucked the life out of a Chelsea attack that had laid waste to pretty much everything in its path up until this point in the season.
Oscar subdued, Diego Costa blunted and assist machine Cesc Fabregas strangled by the tireless Jack Colback, Alan Pardew’s side provided a blueprint that others will surely follow and hope to replicate. Unlike Sunderland, however, Newcastle possessed the composure and refinement in the final third to capitalise on the rare opportunities they were able to break into opposition territory.
Ayoze Perez buzzed with intent all afternoon, Moussa Sissoko gobbled up the ground and Cisse rediscovered the Midas touch in front of goal against opponents who always seem to bring the best out of him.
It was not until the sending off of Steven Taylor that Chelsea were able to test rookie goalkeeper Jak Alnwick, and although they fell just short of securing the draw that all their late pressure suggested they deserved, their response to the lifeline they were offered adds weight to Mourinho’s belief that a defeat would not result in Chelsea’s season falling apart.
"I don't believe there'll be a Chelsea crisis in the season. I believe Chelsea will lose points and matches, but not in a crisis of results. I truly believe in our ability,” Mourinho said a fortnight ago.
"We don't have pressure to lead. The pressure is for the ones who are coming behind. I always felt the pressure when I was behind, not when I was on the top and I've always been competing for titles. To be first is easier than to be second. If you're first, you think just about yourself."
For all their excellence so far this season, Chelsea may well wake up on Sunday morning with little more than a three-point cushion to console themselves with but an end to the constant comparisons with Arsene Wenger's elite may come as a welcome relief.
Mourinho is in possession of the most powerful squad in the league but it is high time he started capitalising on it. The lack of rotation has finally caught up with Chelsea’s ever-presents and the importance of a defensive shield, the impressive Nemanja Matic missing through suspension at St James' Park, was emphasised.
Mourinho has the tools to be able to shuffle his pack on a regular basis and it would be surprising to see him pass up on the opportunity to do so over a hectic Christmas and New Year period.
Chelsea may have failed to match an accomplishment that only two sides in the history of English football have managed, 100 years apart at that, but that is no reason to suggest that they will fail to fulfil their title-winning potential.
Mourinho’s post-match response was by and large measured, fair and level-headed, exuding the qualities his side will need to demonstrate in the coming weeks if this defeat is to be remembered as a rare blip.
Unbeatable, no. Uncatchable? Still more than likely.
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