TERRACE TALK: Square pegs in round holes at the moment

I trust Jose — I really do — but I am finding it very hard to understand his decisions at the moment.

It wouldn’t have taken Einstein to predict Essien was going to find it hard going starting against Southampton. Many Chelsea fans would have to think very long and hard about even bringing him on for a final 10 minutes against anyone really.

He is no longer the warrior we witnessed in Mourinho’s first tenure at the Bridge. Even looking beyond the initial mistake that led to the goal, it was actually painfully sad to see him trying to compete in this game — Mourinho must know he is not up to the pace and physicality of the Premier League anymore, so why start him?