Premier League: Terry: Liverpool’s win made it Chelsea’s day
SWANSEA CITY 0 CHELSEA 1
CHELSEA captain John Terry yesterday revealed he was glad Liverpool had beaten Manchester City in their top of the table clash and that his own team’s narrow win in south Wales had increased the pressure on their title rivals.
Striker Demba Ba’s second-half goal proved the difference against 10-man Swansea, who had defender Chico Flores sent off on 16 minutes for two bookings in quick succession.
Victory leaves Chelsea sandwiched between Liverpool and City in the Premier League table, and Terry declared the day a success for the Blues.
“We obviously knew about it [Liverpool v Manchester City] and looking at the result it’s probably the one we wanted,” said the former England captain.
“It was important, as the manager said before the game that we knew, regardless of that result, if we don’t win our games we’ll make it very easy for them.
“But we’ve won our game and the pressure is still on the teams above and below us.
“Patience was the key, especially as they had their man sent off not long into the game. We’ve got the three points and we’ll take them home.”
Midfielder Mohamed Salah was denied his third goal in four games by the woodwork on six minutes, rolling right-back Branislav Ivanovic’s low cross onto the outside of the far post.
But after Flores saw red for the second time this season, Chelsea failed to capitalise and manager Jose Mourinho rolled the dice with a double substitution at half-time, introducing Oscar and Samuel Eto’o for Ramires and Andre Schurrle. Immediately, Chelsea looked a more potent threat with Ba and Eto’o both going close and it was the former who finally broke the deadlock on 68 minutes.
Ba latched onto Nemanja Matic’s pass, got away from defender Ashley Williams and fired a powerful shot under goalkeeper Michel Vorm to seal the win.