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CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho said a six-point lead over rivals Manchester City made up for the disappointment of the 1-1 draw at home to Southampton.
The result saw the Blues move up to 64 points in the table after 28 matches.
“I’m happy with the situation. I’m happy with the six-point lead, but I’m not happy with the result,” he said.
“If somebody tells me in August that at the end of March we are six points in front and one match in hand, I would sign immediately.”
Chelsea took the lead through Diego Costa early in the first half, although the advantage only lasted a few minutes when Dusan Tadic scored from the spot.
The penalty was awarded by referee Mike Dean after he judged that Nemanja Matic, who was shown a yellow card, had fouled forward Sadio Mane. Replays suggested the midfielder also made contact with the ball.
The Blues later had a penalty appeal of their own turned down when Tadic clipped the heel of Branislav Ivanovic. The Serb fell inside the area, but referee Dean waved away appeals.
“My opinion is not important. Important is Mr Mike Dean,” added Mourinho.
“His decision was a penalty and his decision was no penalty on Ivanovic.” — BBC Sport
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter