Drama Critic

It will surprise no-one that Jose Mourinho has his own brand of logic. According to reports, he has declared that Manchester United’s four point lead is “not a drama” because United have yet to play at Stamford Bridge. The underlying assumption is, of course, the arrogant belief that Chelsea are certain to beat United on their own ground.

A few months ago, few would have challenged that assumption. Stamford Bridge was a fortress, a ground where opposing teams could not even expect to get a point. Yet in recent weeks Chelsea have drawn with Arsenal (thanks to a dramatic late equaliser from Michael Essien), beaten Newcastle United by a single goal and been held to a draw by Reading (courtesy of a pantomime late equaliser for the visitors inspired by Ashley Cole).

So, we are asked to believe that the home game against Manchester United is a mere formality for the team which has dropped vital points at home twice in the last three games at Stamford Bridge. A team which hasn’t won by more than a single goal since way back on 11th November. A team which once had the meanest defence in the Premiership but is beginning to ship goals at the rate of two per game.

Strange stuff, this Portuguese logic. But it is not a drama. Merely a message from the master of melodrama.