Hammers played ’19th century football’

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said he should have brought his drill to break down West Ham United’s defensive wall following a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Chelsea were frustrated by a stubborn West Ham team and despite dominating the game failed to find a way past the visitors’ deep-lying defence.

Mourinho cut an exasperated figure on the touchline and claimed after the game that Sam Allardyce’s West Ham played ’19th century football’ to deny his side a home win.

“This is not Premier League (football), this is football from the 19th century,” the Portuguese manager told a news conference.

“My team tried everything. They played, they created, they missed goals, the goal-keeper saved and the defenders saved too, so I can’t complain about my team. His (Allardyce) objective was one; to come here and take a point. His objective was not to come and try and play good football, or try to win.”

Antiquated tactics

When asked by reporters what he meant by 19th century football the Chelsea coach listed the antiquated tactics that he thought the visitors had employed, and revealed that only his drill would have broken down their packed defence.

“Feigning injuries, the goal-keeper wasting time after the first minute, the medical staff coming on the pitch, kicking long balls to nobody, 10 defenders in the box. It’s very basic.”

Chelsea’s Oscar, Frank Lampard and Samuel Eto’o were all denied by good saves from West Ham goal-keeper Adrian as the home side failed to find a winner.

Elsewhere, Manchester City moved topped following a 5-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur and host Chelsea on Monday in a crucial game for Mourinho’s title aspirations.