CHELSEA VERSUS SWINDON: HOW THE PLAYERS FARED

Chelsea had a chance to redeem their flagging image yesterday when they filed out to square up with Swindon in a Capital One game. There were high expectations especially on the part of some players who have not been given enough opportunity to showcase why they should be given permanent shirts in the squad.

Although, Chelsea fielded a relatively weakened side, however, some of the Chelsea players knew all eyes were on them to perform or rather shine in what could be described as a test game for them.

You will recall that Chelsea supporters have questioned the non inclusion of Mata in almost all the Chelsea matches this season. Even the Sports Analysts and the Media are not left out of the scrutiny, raising questions as to why a player who was voted Chelsea’s player of the year 2012-2013 suddenly became a benchwarmer.

Apparently responding to the numerous concerns, Mourinho had to open to what the issue is. Talking to reporters, Mourinho said he wanted his players to always track back to help the team win the ball from the opponents. An attitude Mourinho conceded Mata does not have. Mata was in fact singled out as the player responsible for Chelsea's home lost to Basle in their Champions  League opener.

Mourinho has in the past been praised for his man management by players that have worked for him. It is believed in some quarters that Mourinho is only trying to get Mata increase his work rate and also to up his fighting spirit. How did Mata fare? The moments is next...

Torres was on target

Marco, down and out

The Moments:

There were no slip ups, not that they can afford to as they fight for Mourinho’s attention and a place in the team against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday lunchtime.

it was a composed performance, an exercise in self-control for the likes of Juan Mata after he was recalled to his favoured No10 role behind Torres.

They combined for Chelsea’s opening goal when Mata’s shot was parried by Swindon keeper Wes Foderingham and finished by Torres from close range.

Mata was decent, carrying out shuttle runs across Swindon’s defence in a manner that will have been met with Mourinho’s approval in the dug-out.

Injury Worries:

Chelsea is  likely to head to White Hart Lane without Marco van Ginkel (knee) and Ramires (hip) after they were both forced off with injuries.

Ramires, who scored a beauty in the first half, was forced off at half-time and is another doubt for the clash with their north London rivals.

Holland, deputising for Mourinho, said: ‘It’s too early to say, but it doesn’t look good for Marco.

‘We’ll have to wait for the results of the scan, but we have at least two casualties from this evening.’

Closing Remarks:

Regarding the performance of the team, Chelsea assistant first team coach Steve Holland has this to say.

‘There’s no such thing as a luxury player these days. Perhaps you can carry one in certain fixtures but when it comes to the business end of playing for major trophies against Bayern Munich or Barcelona, you need ten players who contribute when they are out of possession.

‘If you look at Juan’s performance he made Fernando’s chance early on and was involved in his goal, and then in injury time he conceded the final corner of the game. That’s the message to all our attacking players.’

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Additional info: Daily Mail