English Premier League: Mourinho writes off United’s title chances

Eto’o scores hat-trick as Moyes’ side falls 14 points behind league leaders.

LONDON:

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho declared Manchester United’s Premier League title defence over after his side’s 3-1 victory on Sunday left the defending champions 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Samuel Eto’o scored his first Chelsea hat-trick, and with United so far off the pace, Mourinho says it will be almost impossible for them to retain their title.

Victory left Chelsea within two points of leaders Arsenal but this result meant title-holders United are 14 points adrift of the Gunners with 16 league games of the season remaining.

“It is hard. They are 14 points behind Arsenal, 13 behind Manchester City, and 12 from us,” he said.

“Maybe one team collapses, but for three to collapse is difficult, so for them I think it is the fight to finish in the top four.

“They will do that with their pride and tradition and fight and hopefully they win against the other contenders.”

Victory left Chelsea within two points of leaders Arsenal but this result meant title-holders United are 14 points adrift of the Gunners with 16 league games of the season remaining.

United manager David Moyes agreed with Mourinho’s assessment that the visitors ‘started better than us’.

“We had a little bit of bad luck with the first one, but we can’t blame anyone else but ourselves for the other two,” he said.

“We did not defend well enough and did not get a chance like Chelsea got to score, so we can only blame ourselves for that.”

Mourinho had warm words for Eto’o, having previously been critical of his performances following his move from Anzhi Makhachkala at the start of the season.“The second goal was the killer in the box I know from many years ago,” said Mourinho. “It looks like Samuel Eto’o is coming back.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2014.

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