• Premier League

Mourinho: I had to gamble

Jose Mourinho insists he had no choice but to gamble as his late tactical changes paid off in Chelsea's 3-1 win over Norwich.

With just over 20 minutes to go at Carrow Road, Anthony Pilkington cancelled out Oscar's early opener, prompting Mourinho to throw on Samuel Eto'o, Eden Hazard and Willian.

And the substitutions worked a treat with Hazard and Willian netting late on to ensure Chelsea took all three points.

"My idea was to come here, score the first and the second and try to kill the game as fast we can," Mourinho said.

"The players did their best and the opponents deserved to play and these teams are always difficult teams to beat. They fought hard and gave us a very difficult match.

"With the result at 1-0, they didn't risk it; they were waiting for their chance to score a goal. They scored and after that, the game is open football but I'm not here to defend a point, I'm here to try to win so I had to risk a little bit.

"I did, but the responsibility is on the players as they're on the pitch."

Andre Schurrle was even switched into an auxiliary left-back role with Ashley Cole coming off clutching his ribs, although Mourinho insisted the change was tactical.

"He has had this little problem for quite a while, but now he has it really hard in the ribs area," Mourinho added.

"I didn't change him because of that, I changed him because of the options but in the end, the situation before meant it was a difficult condition.

"It is my concern because I want England to do well. I want my players to help their national team and I'll be there Friday because I would love England to go to the World Cup."

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd