IT IS

a sign that Antonio Conte is feeling the pressure, if Jose Mourinho winds him up so easily. Mourinho talked about managers who cry and cry about players being injured, Conte thought he recognised himself and snapped back. Yet Mourinho is no different.

A key justification for Manchester United’s performance at Anfield last week centred on a lack of options due to midfield injuries. And what’s wrong with that? We can’t pretend injuries are insignificant. it was unfortunate that Manchester United were missing Paul Pogba and his replacement Marouane Fellaini.

it is an issue that Chelsea are increasingly weakened at the back. A year ago, there was no way Mourinho could have got under Conte’s skin this way. something is not right at Chelsea. it is starting to feel like the beginning of the end.