1) Chelsea show their true colours
What was all the worry about? Chelsea cruised through to the Champions League knockout stages in comfortable style and they looked a completely different team from the one who appeared so fragile against Bournemouth. They were solid throughout the spine of central defence, midfield and up front. It was not exactly a scintillating performance, but Porto rarely troubled Chelsea on a night that could have spelled the end for José Mourinho. They should have won by more, with Diego Costa – sharper although not yet at his best – and Eden Hazard missing late opportunities.
2) Costa more like the marauder of old
Other than an impetuous swipe at the Porto goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, in the 19th minute, Costa put in an improved display up front. The foul on Casillas, for which he received a fifth booking of the season, was daft, needlessly taking the legs of the Spain captain. However, Costa was far more threatening than in recent matches. His determination forced the fortuitous opening goal off Iván Marcano and he turned the defender well just before half-time, driving into the penalty area and forcing Casillas into a smart low save. It had looked like being a much improved display, although his second-half showing was a frustrating one. He squandered two chances, easily outpaced by a defender when played in one on one, and there were some clumsy touches. All in all, though, an improvement.
3) Physical Porto fail to batter a way through
In the opening minutes, Chelsea looked like they were in a game. However, Porto’s physical approach never really provided much of a threat to Thibaut Courtois’ goal. He made one smart stop early on but otherwise was called on mainly to keep out long-range efforts. Danilo and Yacine Brahimi were the most influential players for Mourinho’s former side but John Terry excelled in central defence having missed the Tottenham and Bournemouth games with an ankle injury. Branislav Ivanovic improved as Chelsea stood up to the muscular challenge in a match that saw six bookings, three for each side.
4) Fàbregas too lightweight for Mourinho’s taste
Cesc Fàbregas was dropped to the bench, replaced by Ramires alongside Nemanja Matic, as Mourinho opted for more power, saying he could not afford too many “lightweights” in midfield. Chelsea were momentarily overpowered and on the back foot in the opening five minutes but other than that Porto’s main threat came from the flanks. Fàbregas’ form has been a matter of debate this season, the former Arsenal and Barcelona player struggling to create telling opportunities amid numerous turgid team displays from the Premier League champions, despite being a key figure in their title-winning campaign.
5) Fans serenade José to show their support
It seems tedious to keep saying it, but Mourinho still has the backing of Chelsea’s fans. The Shed sang his name in the fourth minute and, even after his side’s tame defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, any discontent within the rank and file has yet to rear its head. Roman Abramovich was all smiles after Willian put Chelsea 2-0 up following good buildup play from Costa and Eden Hazard, and Mourinho’s name rang out around Stamford Bridge once more. He had their backing from the first minute, though, not just when the game had been won.
