Independent:
Diego Costa fury as his side fall to late James McClean leveller
Chelsea 2 West Bromwich Albion 2
Glenn Moore
After their 3-0 victory at Selhurst Park Chelsea fans must have hoped that the nightmare was over, that the autumn horrors had been a bad dream, that Jose Mourinho would miraculously reappear in the dug-out like Bobby Ewing stepping out of the shower.
However, it is not just the the league table that reveals the reality. On the pitch Chelsea’s recovery under Guus Hiddink remains fragile. Despite twice taking the lead last night they were rarely in command against a smart West Brom side also mired in lower mid-table.
When the final whistle went Diego Costa raged at the officials and opponents, but the anger was born of frustration at a season that stubbornly refuses to follow the script, not least for the outgoing champions.
In practical terms, with Tottenham losing, this result moved Chelsea a point closer to the Champions League spot, but it underlined why that remains an improbable target. The attacking game is beginning to function again, with Cesc Fabregas rediscovering his radar, but the midfield balance is not right and the defence appears vulnerable against bold opponents - which is a problem in a season in which every opponent is bold.
West Brom arrived with a terrible record at Stamford Bridge. They had lost 12 and won none of their last 14 matches here. Tony Pulis’s own history here was no better having lost on all six visits. But they still came with ambition. The days are over when a team such as Albion, as they did under Bryan Robson a decade ago, would write off a match like this and field the sort of team now deployed in cup ties. Albion had won their last two league matches and if their default setting often appears defensive they were keen to take the game to Chelsea. “There were certain areas we thought we might cause them problems,” said Pulis, “I didn’t just want to sit.”
Chelsea began promisingly enough, showing rather more of the style and swagger of champions than a month ago. That was evident from the off as Fabregas freed Costa who nutmegged Jonny Evans before fizzing a rising drive wide.
As the half wore on it became clear the Fabregas-Costa telepathy is restored, Chelsea’s goal began with this combination. But it was also evident that playing Fabregas as a quarterbacking midfielder does leave a hole in the defensive cover, as was shown by Albion’s response.
Chelsea’s opening goal was a beauty, it was also unlikely to have been scored under Jose Mourinho because both full-backs were committed in advanced positions. Fabregas floated a pass into Costa who laid the ball off to Willian. He fed Branislav Ivanovic on the overlap and the Serb’s low cross was tucked in at the far post by Cesar Azpilicueta, arriving ahead of Chris Brunt. It was Azpilicueta’s second league goal in 105 appearances, the other was also against West Brom, in August.
Chelsea won that match, moving them ahead of Arsenal in the league, with Pedro scoring on debut. It seemed the platform for the much-garlanded Barcelona player, gleefully poached from Manchester United’s grasp, to give Chelsea fresh impetus. It has not quite worked out that way with Pedro’s season summed up by the way he lost possession to Darren Fletcher after 34 minutes. Fletcher, outstanding again, switched the ball to Gardner, an early substitute for James Morrison who has a hamstring problem. Gardner is known for his long-range shooting but he was allowed to advance into the empty space in front of Chelsea’s centre-backs before driving a low shot past Thibaut Courtois from 25 yards.
The equaliser was not completely out of the blue. While Willian and Oscar had gone close to doubling their leader Courtois had already had to save from Craig Dawson and James McClean as Albion demonstrated their set-piece expertise.
Chelsea seemed unnerved by the goal and Rondon, turning off Terry onto Fletcher’s pass, wasted a fine chance to give Albion a half-time lead. When the teams returned - Hiddink having withdrawn Pedro - McClean, with a header from Rondon’s pass, spurned another opening.
“We started well and should have scored a second,” said Hiddink, “but then we conceded an unfortunate goal. Then we see a lack of confidence. We have to rebuild that.”
The closeness of the match added spice with Costa and Olsson going face-to-face throughout the match, Yacob courting a second yellow card before being subbed, and both teams taking every opportunity to pressure Anthony Taylor. The referee, though forced to issue a plethora of yellow cards, had a fine game and resisted.
Albion seemed to enjoy the combative nature of the match more than their hosts and looked the likelier scorers when Chelsea suddenly regained the lead. Fabregas sent Willian galloping down the right and his fiercely-driven cross was turned in at the near post. Kenedy claimed the goal but TV replays showed the crucial touch was off the knee of Gareth McAuley, who had tracked his run.
Boaz Myhill brilliantly saved a deflected Costa shot as Chelsea went for the kill - as they needed to because there was never any sense that the points were safe. So it proved. With five minutes left a quick free-kick caused problems in the Chelsea box and James McClean seized upon a loose ball to drill the ball in from just outside the box.
It was no less than Albion deserved. They finished the match looking the more likely.winners, but when the whistle went they were the celebrating team and afterwards Pulis spoke of gaining another point towards the 40 that indicates safety. For a moment you had to check the league table to confirm they are above Chelsea, but this match showed why that is so.
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Telegraph:
Chelsea 2 West Brom 2
Kenedy cameo gives Guus Hiddink sight of victory but James McClean equalises late
By Jeremy Wilson, at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s defensive frailty remains glaringly obvious but anyone doubting whether the old aggression has returned needed only to stand in the vicinity of the Stamford Bridge tunnel on the final whistle.
Diego Costa had spent most of the match arguing with various West Bromwich Albion players and, following further angry exchanges after the match had ended, a huge bang could be heard as he disappeared from view towards the dressing-room.
The subsequent smile on manager Guus Hiddink’s face suggested that, despite sharing Costa’s obvious frustration at James McLean’s late equaliser, he rather appreciated this show of passion.
“We can repair easily – not a big problem,” said Hiddink. “He’s an emotional guy – I like it very much. If you have to push the players, it’s hard to survive in the Premier League.”
Hiddink acknowledged that Costa had left “little space” in walking a disciplinary tight-rope throughout the match but his description of a game played at a “high men level” was predictably shared by West Brom manager Tony Pulis.
“I think Costa’s fantastic – I was brought up in the 1970s,” said Pulis. It was not a view echoed by many of his West Brom players throughout most of the previous 90 minutes but they ultimately had the final word.
It was the seventh time this season that Chelsea have failed to win at home and, while Roman Abramovich was again briefly brought to his feet in visible delight by the contribution of one of the club’s teenage talent, the already distant hope of a top-four finish is surely now gone. “We must win all the games at home,” said Hiddink.
The irony was that, aside from their brittle defending, the match did contain some clear signs that the old Chelsea is gradually re-emerging. Costa was at his irritating, intensive best and the passing triangles between Costa, Willian, Cesc Fabregas and Oscar were occasionally superb. The second-half performance of Kenedy also underlined Hiddink’s now stated desire to continue integrating the best young players.
West Brom’s rhythm had been immediately upset by a sixth-minute hamstring injury to James Morrison and, after repeatedly threatening down that left flank, Chelsea took the lead after 20 minutes. Fabregas had repeatedly sought Costa with passes from central midfield and his Spanish team-mate brilliantly held up a long ball before releasing Willian. The Brazil winger then in turn fed the overlapping Branislav Ivanovic whose ball across the face of West Brom’s goal eluded the entire defence and was swept past Boaz Myhill by Cesar Azpilicueta. It was a superb passage of passing,
although Brunt was partially culpable for allowing Azplicueta to sprint in front of him.
The goal sent a surge of confidence through Chelsea and, while never comfortable defensively, they almost doubled their lead with an even better move. Willian and Fabregas were again involved in a blur of passing before Oscar split open the West Brom with a back-heel, only for Costa to scoop his attempted finish over.
Yet just as Chelsea were threatening to play with the attacking verve that characterised the first-half of last season, they got sloppy.
Pedro was uncharacteristically caught in possession and the ball ran to West Brom substitute Craig Gardner in space. The rest of the Chelsea team were slow to see the danger and Gardner duly aimed his shot past Kurt Zouma and beyond Courtois.
Costa, as ever, was finding reason to get upset and was rowing almost continuously off the ball with Jonas Olsson before reacting angrily to Anthony Taylor’s half-time whistle just as Chelsea broke forward. He re-emerged just as pumped up and collected a booking at the start of the second-half for a late lunge on Gardner.
One change that Hiddink did make was to his team, with the largely anonymous Pedro replaced by Kenedy. It was a substitution that seemed to send a surge of extra energy through the Chelsea team and, with Kenedy racing forward, there was further controversy after Claudio Yacob tripped Costa off the ball to provoke outrage from the Chelsea forward.
Pulis apparently sensed the danger of falling down to 10 men and substituted his central midfielder almost immediately after the inevitable yellow card. Saido Berahino had been introduced for West Brom and, given the interest from Chelsea in his situation during this January window, had plenty of motivation to impress.
It was Kenedy, though, who vindicated his involvement by pressurising Gareth McAuley at the near-post following Willian’s cross and forcing the West Brom defender into an own goal. It seemed as if Chelsea were rediscovering that ruthless winning habit after their two previous victories under Hiddink but, in the 86th minute, the ball bounced off John-Obi Mikel into the path of McLean who shot superbly past Courtois from the edge of the penalty area for a deserved equaliser.
An object was thrown onto the pitch during the celebrations as Chelsea continue to accompany any step forward with largely self-inflicted strides backwards.
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Guardian:
West Brom’s James McClean checks Chelsea revival with late leveller
Chelsea 2 - 2 West Brom
James Riach at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea remain unbeaten under Guus Hiddink but this heated match on a cold night ended in much frustration for the champions. West Bromwich Albion had riled both the crowd and Diego Costa, while James McClean’s late goal ensured they stay three points clear of Hiddink’s side in the bottom half of the table.
Costa flew into a challenge at the start of the second half and was furious at the final whistle, following a match where West Brom twice pulled level. The Spain forward appeared to hit out at the tunnel after the final whistle following an attempt to confront the opposition goalkeeper, Boaz Myhill, on the pitch.
Chelsea showed glimpses of their old self, producing a fair number of chances with Costa moving well up front, but defensive concerns remain and West Brom deserved a point. César Azpilicueta had given the home side the lead – scoring only his second league goal, both against Albion – but twice they were pulled back. Craig Gardner equalised in the first half before McClean cancelled out Gareth McAuley’s own goal with four minutes remaining.
“At the end I think it’s a fair result although in the first half after 1-0 we had a few chances to go 2-0, which didn’t happen,” said Hiddink. “Then we conceded an unfortunate goal and let them penetrate too easily. It was a very entertaining game, high speed and intensity from both sides.”
On Costa’s frenetic night, he joked: “We can repair that [the tunnel] easily. He’s an emotional guy and I like that very much.”
It was the referee, Anthony Taylor, who was the subject of Chelsea supporters’ ire, with Albion taking their time at set pieces and throw-ins throughout the match. Jonas Olsson was one of three changes Tony Pulis made from Albion’s previous league match, the 2-1 win over Stoke City, Salomón Rondón starting up front with McClean in an attacking three behind him, while Pedro replaced the injured Eden Hazard for Chelsea.
Costa did well to control and hold up a direct ball after 20 minutes, laying off to Willian who fed Branislav Ivanovic wide on the right. The full-back’s low cross evaded all the men in red and the masked Azpilicueta came flying in at the far post to muscle in and finish.
The lead lasted only 13 minutes, however. Gardner, who had been brought on for the injured James Morrison in the seventh minute, received the ball in a central attacking position after Pedro had dawdled in possession on the left, following good hustling from McClean. Gardner took one touch before shooting low into the bottom corner from 25 yards, puncturing the earlier optimism. The half ended with the crowd becoming increasingly frustrated, while Costa berated Taylor after he blew for half-time when Chelsea were poised to launch a counterattack.
The ill-feeling on the pitch grew as the game wore on, home supporters vexed by West Brom’s time-wasting. Things did not get easier for the referee either. In the 49th minute Costa, so annoyed before half-time, flew in late and at pace on Gardner, but the challenge resulted in only a yellow card.
As the noise increased and the rain began to fall, Chelsea broke swiftly down the left through the substitute Kenedy, who had been brought on by Hiddink to replace Pedro. As the 19-year-old carried the ball forward, Costa was tripped by Claudio Yacob in a central position. The Albion midfielder was already on a yellow but Taylor judged that it was an unintentional foul.
Just as West Brom were beginning to look dangerous, Chelsea struck again. Cesc Fàbregas threaded a ball through to Willian, whose low cross was intended for the onrushing Kenedy. The Brazilian surged towards the near post and slid in to finish, but the last touch came off McAuley.
However, Chelsea’s lead was once more cancelled out. In the 86th minute Gardner swept the ball infield and it fell to McClean 20 yards out. The midfielder zipped a low shot past Thibaut Courtois and into the bottom corner.
Pulis said: “We just felt there were certain things to do during the game that might cause them problems. We didn’t want to sit, we wanted to press. I think that’s the fourth time where we’ve come from behind to get something from the game. That’s good character and spirit.”
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Mail:
Chelsea 2-2 West Brom
James McClean nets late to secure point for Baggies after Gareth McAuley own goal looked certain to gift Guus Hiddink's men vital three points
By Matt Barlow for the Daily Mail
Chelsea were good, Chelsea were bad and Chelsea were ugly, with Diego Costa spoiling for a fight and punching the walls of the tunnel on his way back to the dressing room.
Costa clashed continuously with Jonas Olsson, squared-up to goalkeeper Boaz Myhill after the game, tried but failed to get Claudio Yacob sent off, and was frequently snarling in the face of the referee disputing his decisions.
But when it comes to ugly football, no-one does it quite like West Bromwich Albion. The messier it became on Wednesday night, the more comfortable the visitors seemed and it was no surprise when James McClean snatched a late point.
Albion were strong, robust and direct and refused to yield when Chelsea hit their rhythm. McClean slammed a loose ball home from 20 yards after Stephane Sessegnon's run had been blocked by John Mikel Obi.
It was the final act in a pulsating game, which bristled with energy and menace, and good football broke out, here and there. Masked full back Cesar Azpilicueta put Chelsea ahead with his second goal in the Premier League. Both have been scored against West Brom.
Craig Gardner levelled before the break, but his side went behind again to an untidy own-goal, which will be credited to Gareth McAuley.
The result keeps both teams in the bottom half of the table, with Tony Pulis talking about another 13 points to reach the safety mark of 40. For Chelsea, it remains unfamiliar territory, and Guus Hiddink's charge for the top four is fading fast.
Azpilicueta opened the scoring, gliding past Chris Brunt to convert a cross from Branislav Ivanovic. It was one raiding full-back to the other at the end of a counter-attack of pass-and-move revolving around Costa, the target man, bristling with intent and a focal point once again.
In moments of sweeping possession such as this, Chelsea looked like the team of last season, but they still lack stability at the back and a lapse by Pedro allowed Albion to strike back.
Darren Fletcher dispossessed Pedro and poked a pass to Gardner in yards of space. Gardner, on as a seventh-minute substitute when James Morrison felt a hamstring, lashed a 25-yard drive sweetly past Thibaut Courtois into the bottom corner. A bottle from the crowd landed near him as Albion's players celebrated.
Chelsea were furious with referee Anthony Taylor, who blew for half-time as they broke out of defence. Ivanovic had the ball at his feet with 80 yards still to cover, but Costa led the protests and the sense of injustice carried into the second-half.
Costa, booked for a late foul on Gardner, tempted a red card as he disputed each decision, often close up in the face of referee Taylor. His failed attempts to ensure Yacob was booked were quite distasteful, even though he had a point.
Yacob had already received a yellow card when he tripped Costa, off the ball, during a quick Chelsea break.
'I didn't see anything wrong,' said Hiddink. 'He's causing danger continuously and that's very good to see.' As for any damage to the tunnel walls, he added: 'We can repair this easily, it's not a big problem.'
Pulis had no complaints about Costa. 'He's fantastic,' said the West Brom boss. 'He's competitive, leads the line well, does things defenders don't like. I was brought up in the Seventies.'
Pulis was wise to replace Yacob and Hiddink took off Pedro at half-time, replacing him with Kenedy, who was heavily involved in Chelsea's second. Willian whipped a ball towards the near post and Kenedy skidded in with McAuley but it was the centre half who diverted it in. Chelsea thought they had done enough but West Brom refused to give in and deserved their point.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois 6; Ivanovic 7, Zouma 6, Terry (c) 6, Azpilicueta 7; Mikel 5, Fabregas 7 (Matic 78, 6); Willian 7.5, Oscar 6.5, Pedro 5 (Kenedy 46, 7); Diego Costa 6
Substitutes not used: Begovic (GK); Ramires, Remy, Cahill, Loftus-Cheek
Manager: Guus Hiddink 6
Scorers: Azpilicueta 20; McAuley own goal 74
Booked: Costa, Courtois, Azpilicueta
West Brom (4-5-1): Myhill 6; Dawson 6.5, McAuley 7, Olsson 7, Evans 6; Brunt 6.5, Fletcher (c) 7, Yacob 5 (Berahino 59, 6), McClean 6.5, Morrison 6 (Gardner 7, 6); Rondon 6 (Sessegnon 67)
Substitutes not used: Foster; Chester, Anichebe, McManaman
Manager: Tony Pulis 7
Scorers: Gardner 33; McClean 86
Booked: Yacob, Myhill, Dawson
Referee: Anthony Taylor 6
Attendance: 40,945
Man of the Match: Willian
================================
Mirror:
Chelsea 2-2 West Bromwich Albion: 5 things we learned as James McClean earns Baggies point
By Mike Walters
The Irishman netted four minutes from time as the Baggies came from behind twice to earn a share of the spoils.
Cesar Azpilicueta gave Chelsea the lead midway through the first half before Craig Gardner's strike hauled the visitors level.
Gareth McAuley's own goal looked like giving Guus Hiddink's side victory, only for McClean to strike late on to rescue a point.
Here's five things we learned:
1. DIEGO COSTA: MORE ANGER MANAGEMENT
Not for the first time, Diego Costa was at the epicentre of all things good and bad about Chelsea's performance.
Lively in the first half-hour, until he shanked a fine chance off-target, Costa became embroiled in a series of running battles with Jonas Olsson and Claudio Yacob. He was also in the referee's face when Anthony Taylor blew for half-time as the Blues broke, two-on-one, towards the halfway line.
Costa has many gifts as a striker, but keeping his temper is not among them. It is a tied act, like waiting for a volcano to erupt.
2. ANTHONY TAYLOR WILL NEVER REFEREE A WORLD CUP FINAL
In the heat of a hard-fought Premier League battle, referees only get one look at contentious incidents – in real time with no replays.
But Anthony Taylor did himself few favours at Stamford Bridge, especially blowing for half-time with Chelsea breaking in numbers and inadequate Albion defensive cover.
And refs who refuse to dish out yellow cards when surrounded by a picket of blue shirts are making a rod for their own backs.
3. EDEN PROJECT IS NEARING THE END
It is a nonsense that Eden Hazard – missing again through injury here – can still be waiting for his first goal of the season after 27 appearances for Chelsea this season.
Now that recovery is taking root at Stamford Bridge without a meaningful contribution from their Belgian slacker, it may be time to accept the inevitable: Any major refurbishment of the side in this transfer window or next summer is likely to involve Hazard being moved on for big money.
He did not become a bad player overnight. But it was a first-rate attempt.
4. ALL ROADS LEAD TO TOTTENHAM
Saido Berahino was left on the bench again by West Brom, and it can only be a matter of time before he becomes somebody else's conundrum.
Berahino has scored only five Premier League goals in 10 months, and while Albion chairman Jeremy Peace played hardball with Tottenham in the summer, as Spurs tried to force through a £22 million deal, the player's value is in danger of diminishing while he is reduced to a bit-part at the Hawthorns.
5. SURVIVAL IS AN ART FORM, NOT A MASTERPIECE
Pragmatism has its merits, especially when it keeps unfancied clubs safely cocooned in mid-table, but sooner or later West Brom will have to confront their identity crisis.
Baggies fans seem unhappy with the sterile methods preached by Tony Pulis, but on the other hand those heady days of Regis, Cunningham and 'Bomber' Brown are long gone.
Personally, I wouldn't normally cross the road to watch Albion play – but when they bank £180 million as their share of the Premier League's £5bn TV deal next season, Pulis will be laughing all the way to the bank.
And in fairness, they added a dash of enterprise to resilience at the Bridge. Chelsea have had easier nights than this against 'bigger' clubs.
Player ratings
CHELSEA
Courtois 6 - Booked. Well beaten by Gardner and McClean finishes
Ivanovic 7 - Trademark rampaging run and assist to break deadlock
Zouma 5 - Lone Albion striker Rondon gave him plenty to think about
Terry 6 - Enjoy him while you can, he won't last for ever
Azpilicueta 7 - Booked. Surprise opening goalscorer in a Zorro mask
Mikel 5 - Provides defensive screen and, er..that's about it
Fabregas 7 - Signs of life at last in the midfield engine room
Willian 6 - Brightest spark in dense crop of autumn under-achievers
Oscar 5 - Still flattering to deceive but no shortage of effort
Pedro 4 - Do not disturb, forty winks in progress zzz
Costa 6 – Booked. Yet again blurred lines between aggression and villainy
SUBS: Kenedy 6 (Pedro, 46), Matic 6 (Fabregas, 78)
WEST BROM
Myhill 6 - Booked. Steady, no dramas here, move along please
Dawson 6 - Still looks a capable centre half covering at right back
Evans 6 - Incredibly bad luck to join a team duller than Man Utd
McAuley 7 - Relished physical battle, not frightened of Costa
Olsson 7 - Easy to pick out in squabbles with Costa in that hairband
Brunt 6 - Should do more damage with that hammer of a left foot
Yacob 5 - Booked. Sturdy and disciplined, right up his manager's street
Fletcher 6 - Tidier than Alan Titchmarsh's garden and tenacious with it
Morrison 5 - Lasted six minutes, fine equaliser from his replacement
McClean 6 - Booked. Delivered the punchline with Albion's late leveller
Rondon 6 - Desperately close to firing Albion in front before interval
SUBS: Gardner 7 (Morrison, 7), Sessegnon 6 (Rondon, 67), Berahino 6 (Yacob, 60)
REFEREE: Anthony Taylor
ATTENDANCE: 40,945
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Express:
Chelsea 2 - West Brom 2: Late James McClean equaliser frustrates Guus Hiddink
GUUS HIDDINK’S claim that Chelsea’s target this season remains the top four carried only limited conviction – and this game showed why.
By Ian Winrow
Guus Hiddink said: “We have said before as long as it is mathematically possible to get the fourth position and Champions League then we go for it. But then we have to win all those games at home.
“At the end I think it was a fair result although I think we had a few good chances to make it 2-0 which didn’t happen. Then we conceded an unfortunate goal, we let them penetrate too easily and have shots from outside the box.
“Diego and the defenders were challenging each other. If you look closely they were provoking each other and those flashes were normal. I didn’t see anything bad. It was a challenge at high men level.
“He is always dangerous. He is vertical in his actions and that is very good to see.
“He is an emotional guy and I like it very much. If you have to push the players it is difficult to survive in the Premier League. But every now and then if you have to control them it is even better.
The signs of improvement have been there since the Dutchman took charge and last night’s draw made it five games without defeat under the new manager.
But while Hiddink’s side showed plenty of fight – too much so on the part of Diego Costa whose frustration almost boiled over after the final whistle – they also displayed the defensive frailties that have resurfaced too often this season.
Twice Hiddink’s side took the lead – first through Cesar Azpilicueta and then thanks to an own-goal from Gareth McAuley.
But twice they were hauled back as Craig Gardner and, four minutes from time, James McClean ensured West Brom deservedly left Stamford Bridge with a point.
McClean’s late equaliser meant Chelsea are still without back-to-back victories this season and a long way short of the consistency they showed last season Improved results have suggested a growing belief in Hiddink’s side, with Costa among those players to show signs of returning to their best.
And the striker produced a powerful run and shot after wrong-footing Jonny Evans in the second minute.
West Brom boss Tony Pulis – who once again left Saido Berahino on the bench despite the striker’s goal in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bristol City – had opted to field a back-four of centre-backs with Evans operating at left-back where he looked less than comfortable.
West Brom’s weakness down the left-hand side would be exploited to more telling effect before half-time in the build-up to Azpilicueta’s opening goal.
But before then Albion showed they had arrived at Stamford Bridge fuelled by the conviction they could secure a third successive league win.
Guus Hiddink said: “We have said before as long as it is mathematically possible to get the fourth position and Champions League then we go for it. But then we have to win all those games at home.
“At the end I think it was a fair result although I think we had a few good chances to make it 2-0 which didn’t happen. Then we conceded an unfortunate goal, we let them penetrate too easily and have shots from outside the box.
“Diego and the defenders were challenging each other. If you look closely they were provoking each other and those flashes were normal. I didn’t see anything bad. It was a challenge at high men level.
“He is always dangerous. He is vertical in his actions and that is very good to see.
“He is an emotional guy and I like it very much. If you have to push the players it is difficult to survive in the Premier League. But every now and then if you have to control them it is even better.
McClean’s late equaliser meant Chelsea are still without back-to-back victories this season and a long way short of the consistency they showed last season Improved results have suggested a growing belief in Hiddink’s side, with Costa among those players to show signs of returning to their best.
And the striker produced a powerful run and shot after wrong-footing Jonny Evans in the second minute.
West Brom boss Tony Pulis – who once again left Saido Berahino on the bench despite the striker’s goal in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bristol City – had opted to fi eld a back-four of centre-backs with Evans operating at left-back where he looked less than comfortable.
West Brom’s weakness down the left-hand side would be exploited to more telling effect before half-time in the build-up to Azpilicueta’s opening goal.
But before then Albion showed they had arrived at Stamford Bridge fuelled by the conviction they could secure a third successive league win.
They overcame the early blow of losing James Morrison, who hobbled off in the seventh minute after appearing to jar his right leg.
But replacement Gardner wasted little time in making his presence felt, delivering a floated free-kick that Craig Dawson was able to meet and force a save from Thibaut Courtois.
The speed of Chelsea’s counter-attacks was always likely to unpick the visitors. And the breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic surged forward.
Costa did well to hold up a long ball, laying off for Willian, who picked out Ivanovic’s run on the right, allowing the right-back to drill a low cross that was turned in at the far post by Azpilicueta. West Brom’s response was impressive with McClean threatening with another header before the alert Gardner levelled with a fine long-range shot in the 33rd minute.
Suddenly Chelsea appeared much less convincing and the most visible sign of their growing frustration came from Costa, who ended the first half conducting a niggly, running spat with Albion centre-back Jonas Olsson.
Costa’s growing frustration spilled over immediately after the restart when he was booked for a crude challenge on Gardner. But it was Chelsea who were convinced they were on the receiving end of a major injustice when the striker was tripped by Claudio Yacob.
Willian then produced the moment of quality to put Chelsea ahead in the 73rd minute when he drilled a low cross towards the near post where it was turned into the net by McAuley.
With time running out, the alert McClean had the last word to deflate a frustrated Chelsea.
Tony Pulis said: “I’ve had some bad luck here. I was here with Stoke winning 1-0 and they scored two right at the death. I thought I’d take that one to my grave.
“We have tremendous respect for Chelsea but we felt we might cause them problems. We tried to press them early on and I’m pleased we got something out of it.
“We are pleased to get the point and come away with everybody fit apart from James Morrison who felt his hamstring right away. He felt it before the game.
“We need 13 poinst to get to 40 and it’s such a relentless league. Every game is tough.”
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Fabregas (Matic 78); Willian, Oscar, Pedro (Kenedy 45); Costa. Booked: Costa, Courtois, Azpilicueta. Goals: Azpilicueta 20, McAuley og 73. NEXT UP: Everton (h), Sat PL.
WEST BROM (4-4-1-1): Myhill; Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Evans; Brunt, Yacob (Berahino 60), Fletcher, McClean; Morrison (Gardner 7); Rondon (Sessegnon 67). Booked: Yacob, Myhill, McClean. Goals: Gardner 33, McClean 86. NEXT UP: Southampton (a), Sat PL. Referee: A Taylor (Greater Manchester).
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Star:
Chelsea 2 West Brom 2: Baggies fight back to frustrate the champions
CESAR AZPILICUETA was the unlikely Chelsea goal hero last night.
David Woods
But his good work was undone by a fellow Spaniard as the champions were held by a West Brom side that never gave up.
It was Pedro’s mistake that let in sub Craig Gardner to equalise as Chelsea once again looked unconvincing at Stamford Bridge.
They needed an own goal by Gareth McAuley, who directed a Willian cross into his own net in the 74th minute, to put them back in front.
But they couldn’t hold on to their lead and James McLean earned the Baggies a point with a right-foot shot from the edge of the box on 86 minutes.
The Blues, needing a win to keep up their slim hopes of finishing in the top four, went ahead in the 20th minute.
Right-back Branislav Ivanovic drove a low cross all the way across goal and Azpilicueta got in front of Chris Brunt to fire home with his right foot from close range.
It was his second goal of the season, the other being the winner in the 3-2 victory at The Hawthorns back in August.
In that game former Barcelona star Pedro made his debut after his £21m signing.
He looked an exciting buy, scoring the first and setting up Diego Costa for the second.
But like the rest of the team it all started to go wrong after that and he had another moment to forget, as the Guus Hiddink recovery was hit by a blip.
Pedro tried to cut inside in the 33rd minute, but was easily dispossessed by Darren Fletcher.
The ball broke to Gardner and he burst through before bending the ball around Thibaut Courtois from 20 yards.
Gardner was only on because James Morrison’s hamstring problem resurfaced after just a few minutes.
Pedro was substituted at the break, with Kenedy coming on.
But despite the good work Hiddink has done since his arrival last month, Chelsea struggled to make an impact against Tony Pulis’ well-drilled team.
Costa was constantly involved in grapples with Jonas Olsson and Claudio Yacob, with the latter being taken off by Pulis soon after appearing to get away with a cynical trip on the Spain striker as he threatened to get into a goal-scoring position in the 56th minute.
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Birmingham Mail:
Chelsea 2 West Brom 2: Match report, stats and pictures as Baggies fight back
By Paul Suart
West Bromwich Albion twice came from behind to earn a point in a bad-blooded affair at Stamford Bridge.
Cesar Azpilicueta put the hosts ahead after 20 minutes but the Baggies hit back in the first half with an arrowed Craig Gardner shot.
The Premier League champions regained the lead through a Gareth McAuley own goal after 74 minutes.
But Albion were not to be denied a deserved draw as James McClean levelled for the visitors four minutes from time with a fine right-footed drive 20 yards out.
Chances were exchanged in a lively and surprisingly open first half.
Diego Costa fired wide after skipping past Jonny Evans with just three minutes on the clock.
James McClean couldn't get enough purchase on Darren Fletcher's deep cross two minutes later as the game started at break-neck speed.
James Morrison limped off after just seven minutes after appearing to jar his knee with Gardner on in his place.
Willian curled narrowly wide after cutting infield, but the first clear-cut opening fell to the visitors.
Darren Fletcher took a touch in the box when he ought to have just pulled the trigger from McClean's left wing cross.
Craig Dawson forced Tibaut Courtois into a smart save with a header, but it was the hosts who went ahead moments later.
Costa's ball from the right was turned in at the far post by Azpilicueta as Albion slept at the back 20 minutes in.
A well worked free-kick led to a header from McClean that forced Courtois into another save and a scramble to clear.
Costa blazed over following Oscar's clever back-heel with 32 minutes played.
Seconds later Albion were level, and deservedly so.
Fletcher, becoming more of an influence in the middle of the park, robbed Pedro and fed Gardner.
The midfielder advanced unchallenged before finding the bottom left corner with unerring accuracy.
Buoyed by the goal, West Brom went in search of another, Salomon Rondon narrowly missing the target after allowing Fletcher's pass to run across him.
That Albion registered eight shots, three on target, was a reflection of their attacking intent and prowess in the first 45 minutes.
Tony Pulis clearly asked his men to press higher up the pitch for it became a theme of the second half.
McClean had the first chance after the break but could not get enough purchase on Rondon's mis-hit volley across goal.
Yacob, already booked for a foul before the break, was lucky to stay on the pitch after bringing down Costa off the ball.
Willian, Chelsea's dead-ball expert, fired the resulting free-kick over from 20 yards.
Sensing the danger, Tony Pulis immediately hauled Yacob off with Saido Berahino introduced on the hour mark.
Albion's joint top scorer got involved right away, but saw his shot cannon off McClean as the Irishman pushed forward.
McClean and Courtois had a flare up, for which both were booked, as the game got even tastier.
The hosts began to exert more influence and were rewarded 16 minutes from time when McAuley diverted Willian's cross past Myhill with Chelsea sub Kenedy in close attendance.
Berahino, demanding the ball and looking busy, fired at Chelsea's Belgian stopper before Kenedy let fly from 20 yards as the Baggies backline retreated.
It was a passage of play the encapsulated the game.
And so did the next one, McClean firing into the corner with his right foot after the ball broke to him on the edge of the box.
The draw kept West Brom in 12th and maintained their three point advantage over Chelsea.
CHELSEA : Courtois, Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry (c), Azpilicueta, Mikel, Fabregas (Matic, 78), Willian, Oscar, Pedro (Kenedy, 46), Costa. Subs not used: Begovic, Cahill, Ramires, Loftus-Cheek, Remy.
ALBION : Myhill, Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Evans, McClean, Yacob (Berahino, 60), Fletcher (c), Brunt, Morrison (Gardner, 7), Rondón (Sessegnon, 67). Subs not used: Foster, Chester, McManaman, Anichebe.
Attendance : 40,945
