Boss Mourinho hails Chelsea defender

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho singled out Cesar Azpilicueta for praise for the Spaniard’s lung-busting display in the 1-0 home win over Everton.

Despite being primarily right-footed, Azpilicueta has replaced Ashely Cole as the first-choice left-back at Stamford Bridge and Mourinho has been thrilled with the pacy defender’s contribution.

“When you see a performance like Azpilicueta’s, the only thing he didn’t do was put the ball in his arm and run into the goal like a rugby player,” Mourinho said.

“His performance was representative of the desire shown by all the players and that’s important.”

Chelsea’s win, coupled with victories for both Arsenal and Manchester City, meant it was a case of as you were in the Premier League table.

The Blues remain one point ahead of Arsenal and three clear of City, who have a game in hand.

Mourinho added: “To be where we are, with some limitations we have in the team, having only worked together for a few months, I think we are doing well.

“We have some limitations, that’s obvious, but the team wanted to win. If you score that’s fantastic but even if we hadn’t scored I would have a positive feeling.”

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