EPL Hits and Misses: Petulant Jose wins the battle of wits against City
Jose Mourinho's media blackout might have overshadowed a well-earned draw against his title rivals, but he probably just won't care. It was a good weekend for Man United while the EPL's north Londoners are closing in on fourth spot. It's Hits and Misses...
HITS
Jose Mourinho
While he didn't make himself available to air his views at the post-match press conference, there's little doubt that the Special One would be the happier of the two managers at Stamford Bridge on Sunday morning (Singapore time).
With his side's advantage over their title rivals maintained, the Portuguese simply won't care about the backlash.
Despite Manchester City doing their best to turn the screws on a Chelsea side shorn of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, Jose Mourinho's side managed to repel the champions to prevent them from slashing their five-point lead at the English Premier League summit to two.
There's still a long way to go before the title's destination can be decided, but the Blues took a big step towards wresting the trophy from their opponents' hands - thanks to a typically Mourinho display.
Manchester United
Back in third with 10 points separating them and Chelsea, United were certainly the biggest gainers among the top four over the weekend.
The Red Devils barely found themselves moving out of second gear at Old Trafford before their quick-fire three-goal salvo in the first half guaranteed sweet revenge over a wretched Leicester City side that looked nothing like the spirited side which pulled off the unthinkable 5-3 in the reverse fixture in September.
With Louis van Gaal switching to the 4-4-2 that makes him twitch, Daley Blind was allowed to shine in midfield and his two assists will make sure Michael Carrick won't be terribly missed throughout his injury-enforced absence.
Even though Leicester barely offered much of a fight, the result could convince van Gaal to abandon his favoured 3-5-2 formation for the one that clearly seems to work for United.
Arsenal
Look out Ronald Koeman and Louis van Gaal - here comes Arsene Wenger's Gunners and he clearly wants his Champions League spot back.
While Arsenal deserve their fair share of criticism for failing to mount a proper title challenge once more, the north Londoners are in fine fettle of late.
From start to finish, Wenger's men dominated Paul Lambert's abject Aston Villa side and ripped them apart at the Emirates.
If only they could bottle their recent performances and find a way to spread them out over the season...
Mesut Oezil
He's back. This is the player everyone has been longing to see since his mega move from Real Madrid.
More of this sort please, Mesut. More please.
Tottenham
Like their neighbours, Spurs are starting to click into gear after their rough start under Mauricio Pochettino.
With Christian Eriksen pulling the strings and Harry Kane banging them in, Pochettino has two of Europe's brightest young talents leading his forward line.
I might have made fun of Tottenham's propensity to gravitate towards a 2-1 scoreline this season, but the Lilywhites' resolve to comeback and win games has been hugely impressive.
While there was no need for such heroics at the Hawthorns over the weekend, Kane and Eriksen didn't disappoint as they combined once more to brush aside West Brom.
Roberto Martinez
A much-needed win to ease the pressure building on him from a six-game winless streak.
John Carver
Notched his first win as Newcastle manager.
Moreover, the Geordie certainly did his chances of landing the job on a more permanent basis by getting Remy Cabella to shine - something former Magpies boss Alan Pardew couldn't do despite constantly singing the Frenchman's praises.
Sunderland
Their decision to spend considerable coin on Jermain Defoe could pay off if the former England striker continues to bang in the goals.
Daniel Sturridge
It didn't take long, but the former Chelsea and Man City striker's sharp goal on his return from a lengthy injury spell must have certainly made Liverpool fans everywhere pause and rue: "If only he had been fit more..."
Jonjo Shelvey
What a hit.
MISSES
Manchester City
They might have put up a stirring performance at Stamford Bridge, but it didn't count for much in the end as the Citizens passed up an ideal opportunity to slash Chelsea's lead.
The visitors had the stricken hosts on the rack for much of the match but could not find the killer touch to swing the title race in their favour.
While the five-point gap between first and second isn't insurmountable, Manuel Pellegrini must have been cursing his side's inability to take the initiative in their bid to defend their title.
Ahmed Elmohamady
Disgraceful, deplorable, despicable - take your pick of an adjective to describe Elmohamady's celebration of his rightfully disallowed handled goal.
While the Egyptian midfielder could not have cheated more blatantly as he swiped the ball into the net with his forearm, his unbridled exuberance as if his goal was totally legitimate just made it even more unpalatable.
Hang your head in shame.
Hull City
Remember when Hull were actually doing pretty well at the start of the season? No? Well, me neither.
Harry Redknapp
Still staring at a big fat zero in the points column on the away matches table.
Even bottom side Leicester have nicked seven points on their travels.
Aston Villa
Now more than 10 hours of football without a goal.
It's certainly not fun being a Villa fan at the moment.
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