Man-U Vs Chelsea: Mikel Holds Ball Well, Says Mourinho

Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho, praised Nigeria international John Obi Mikel for his role in the Blues' 1-0 win over Manchester United yesterday. Even though the Super Eagles midfielder was in action for just four minutes, the Portuguese coach extolled Mikel for helping Chelsea secure the all important win at  Stamford Bridge to move closer to the English Premier League title. Mikel made Chelsea's return from injury that kept him out of action for weeks when he came on as a substitute for Cesc Fabregas in the game dominated by Manchester United. The 23-year-old was sent on to stop Louis van Gaal's side who have been in rampant form of late. Chelsea was forced to defend on the edge of its own penalty area for much of the game as United took the initiative however, Eden Hazard's first-half strike making the difference. The visitors had 70 percent of the possession however, were thwarted by a side that employed Nemanja Matic, Kurt Zouma and substitute Mikel in front of a back four that refused to budge. Mikel was singled out for praise as Mourinho praised each player for the way they fought to keep the visitors at bay. Mourinho's words: “The team was fantastic . I’m the one that knows how fantastic it was. The game was exactly what we want. When we manage to play the game we want to play, the game was fantastic. “Eden had that magic that the top ones have, especially in big matches. Obviously it was fundamental for us, however, I think (Gary) Cahill made an amazing block on a (Radamel) Falcao shot. JT was amazing. The keeper was great. “(Cesar) Azpilicueta was, for me, the best player on the pitch. (Nemanja) Matic worked like an animal. (Kurt) Zouma put (Marouane) Fellaini outside the game. The number 11 (Didier Drogba) was another animal fighting against two kids with age to be his son. ‘Oscar worked fantastically well, Ramires came in and gave what we need, even (John Obi) Mikel came in and held the ball. And Willian, who was in bed for two days  came and made himself available to give a little help. It’s fantastic.”