Fab title shocker for Jose as Blues lose and finish with nine men
JOSE MOURINHO and TWO Chelsea players all saw red as the Blues surrendered the initiative to Manchester City in the title race.
Midfielder Delph’s flicked effort in the 82nd minute – either side of dismissals for Willian and Ramires – saw the Blues fail to extend their six- point advantage over second- placed City.
Tempers flared in added time when Mourinho took his protests over Ramires’ red card onto the pitch before also receiving his marching orders from referee Chris Foy.
Manuel Pellegrini’s City team now have three games in hand over the London club as well as a superior goal difference as Mourinho suffered more frustration at Villa Park – the only top- flight ground in England at which he has not won.
Willian posed the Blues’ biggest threat early on and, after cutting in menacingly from the left, his low 20- yard strike flashed inches past Brad Guzan’s near post.
Danger
Villa came within inches of taking the lead when Christian Benteke’s audacious scissor- kick from outside the box flew inches wide.
Chelsea had the ball in the net just before the break when Nemanja Matic bundled home at the far post from John Terry’s flick- on.
But after consulting with assistant Peter Banks, referee Foy ruled the midfielder had controlled the ball with his forearm and ruled the goal out.
Mourinho brought on Andre Schurrle and Demba Ba for Torres and Oscar on 67 minutes. Yet a minute later Chelsea’s cause was dealt a hefty blow following Willian’s dismissal.
Already on a caution, the midfielder needlessly tugged on the shoulder of Delph in midfield.
Chelsea were made to pay eight minutes from time when Delph scored with a stunning improvised backheel which crept inside the far post.
Petr Cech then pushed another Delph strike onto his crossbar before Ramires saw a straight red for an ugly two- footed stamp on Karim El Ahmadi in added time.
That also resulted in Mourinho being dismissed for his protests.