• Premier League

West Brom deserved a point - Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho conceded that West Brom "deserved" their equaliser in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns.

Mourinho's side were largely unimpressive during the tie but had found themselves minutes away from extending their league at the top of the Premier League table to four points thanks to Branislav Ivanovic's first half strike.

However, Anichebe rose highest to head in a late equaliser and curtail Chelsea's lead at the top to two points instead of four.

"In the last 20 minutes they put us under pressure and they scored a goal as a consequence," Mourinho said. "Maybe they deserved that point. A point is a point and at the end of the season we will see.

"I think the game for 60 minutes was completely in our hands, West Brom didn't put one foot in our box. We couldn't kill the game.

"I was feeling it. I was feeling that we only thing we could do is defend well. We were not strong enough to get out in the last 10 minutes. The game doesn't end until the last whistle and the defensive mistake led to the goal."

Anichebe's goal lifted West Brom out of the relegation zone - albeit on goal difference - ahead of Wednesday's matches, but boss Pepe Mel was adamant the club would be playing top flight football again next season.

"I am very pleased. The players worked hard and were strong. If we scored the goal earlier, we would win the game," Mel said. "Chelsea were in front, for me today is a good day. The players performed very well and for sure, if we scored a goal before them, we would win the game.

"The team were compact, good lateral movement and good dropping off. They pressed high and showed good mentality. 1-1 against Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea. Now we need to win our next game. West Brom next season will be in the Premier League.

"The players need to win matches. It is good on the pitch when the match finishes and West Brom has won. We will go for warm weather training to Spain to work together and for tactics."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd