Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho praised Didier Drogba for his contribution as a late substitute in the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.
The 36-year-old striker has not trained because of an ankle problem but was needed at Selhurst Park because top scorer Diego Costa was sidelined.
And Mourinho revealed he was set to bring teenager Dominic Solanke on for his senior debut before an abrupt change of plan.
A goal by Palace’s Fraizer Campbell meant the Blues could expect an uncomfortable end to the game, so Mourinho turned to Drogba’s experience.
“I have to praise Didier,” Mourinho said after seeing his side retain their five-point advantage at the top of the Premier League. “He was injured for a long time and had not had one [training] session.
“Even yesterday he wasn’t doing any training, but I told him I maybe needed him – and I did need him.
“With the result at 2-0 I was going to put Solanke on. But after the goal I put Didier on and for me he was the best player on the pitch in the last four minutes.
“He brought the game into the corners, kept the game in the corners and used his experience. His understanding of the game was fantastic.”
Costa, meanwhile, continues to nurse a hamstring complaint and has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League game against Maribor.
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This post was last modified on 18/10/2014
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I love the mood which Chelsea put up against CRY yesterday.Indeed Mou is the greatest football coach on earth now.and the Referee that ref the match is great too kudos to him.No league like the Premiership.At CRY home there was this Banner with CRY fans: with abusive write up to Chelsea owner Abramovich,i want to suggest the FA should critically warn against such abusive write up to serve as a deterent to other Fans next time.