“Of course I would like some more victories instead of the unbeaten draws, but the team is step by step more stable and now we hope to go to in a handsome spring time”.
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Mata, whose honours with Chelsea included the 2012 Champions League trophy, received a rousing ovation at Stamford Bridge. “You have to keep the ball and be composed when you defend also”.
Meanwhile Van Gaal told reporters that stories linking Mourinho with his job were hurtful to him and his family. Costa though was full of action and running, smashing into defenders whilst darting in behind to latch onto a through pass. His performance deserved a goal, which he got in the dying minutes of the game when Daley Blind slipped and Borthwick-Jackson played him onside.
Hiddink said: “The rest of the season is hopefully too much (for Zouma to be ruled out for), but he will have an examination, so I can’t speculate about that”.
United controlled the opening quarter, Michael Carrick drawing a low stop from Courtois before the Belgian superbly clawed away Anthony Martial’s effort after cutting into the left channel. His pace down that right hand side and, most importantly, his acceleration away when he gives a pass is an asset United must utilise as he can pull fullbacks all over the place.
Van Gaal left the pitch in discussion with the match officials, but upon reflection he will surely be angrier with the manner in which his team allowed Fabregas to thread the ball through a crowded, central area of the pitch, into Costa’s path in the penalty box.
The Chelsea supporters showed that they still hold Mata in high regard after providing the 27-year-old with a standing ovation when he was being substituted in injury time. “Costa is not offside because of that”.
Van Gaal was visibly disappointed after his side dropped two points and questioned the referee’s time keeping.
The Spain striker had one final chance to win it for the hosts, but he was denied by a superb save by David de Gea as Chelsea extended their unbeaten Premier League run to nine matches.
“To be fully happy I need everything, so I go back to football”.
The injury could open the door to more playing time for USA worldwide Matt Miazga, who has yet to make his Chelsea debut after joining the club from the New York Red Bulls last month.
Mourinho’s shadow looms large above Van Gaal’s head, while Hiddink knows that he is only keeping the seat warm for whomever Chelsea decide to appoint as the long-term successor to the Portuguese.
He added: “It’s sad for the fans also”.
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Up front Diego Costa is nailed on to start and everyone will be watching to see how he behaves during his battle with the Manchester United defence.
