West Brom make it one in eye for Jose Mourinho
West Bromwich Albion coach Pepe Mel delivered one in the eye on for the self-styled 'Special One' at The Hawthorns.
Albion bagged a deserved point to earn a 1-1 draw against Jose Mourinho's table-topping Chelsea last night.
It was the perfect riposte for the Baggies as there had been bad blood between the two sides going into the game.
Earlier in the season Mourinho had accused the Baggies of being a 'Mickey Mouse club' and defender Jonas Olsson 'a Mickey Mouse player' following a contentious 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in November.
Then the Baggies were denied the win in London they thought they deserved when Chelsea midfielder Ramires won a controversial injury-time penalty scored by Eden Hazard, sparking ugly scenes between players and stewards at the end.
This time it was Albion who were celebrating a point at the death after Victor Anichebe's header three minutes from time cancelled out Branislav Ivanovic's 45th-minute opener. The point saw Albion climb out of the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference.
Albion have now done what moneybags Manchester City couldn't – and are the only team to have so far this season to have denied the London club victory, whereas City were beaten both occasions.
Of the sides they have played twice, the Baggies fare best, with Chelsea having taken just two points from their encounters.
Mel was justifiably delighted at the end of the game. He said: "I am a proud coach. It was a pleasure because the players showed good work and now, in the changing room, it is calmer and there is a good sensation.
"Chelsea are a top team in Europe but West Brom were better in the second half."
Mel is still awaiting his first win as Baggies boss after three 1-1 home draws and two away defeats so far.
But he said: "That was the best performance since I've been here.
"The players and I need a win. But a draw against Chelsea is good because they're a big club, a good team, and they're top."
Mel will take his squad to Spain for a six-day training camp in Jerez tomorrow.
Albion's next game is a crucial relegation battle against fellow strugglers Fulham at The Hawthorns on February 22.
