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Jose Mourinho backs strikers

Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard netted the first half goal that kept Chelsea in touch with the Premier League leaders at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

But Chelsea were again guilty of failing to finish the game off, with Samuel Eto’o twice denied by Swansea keeper Gerhard Tremmel when presented with a clear opportunity to score.

Mourinho’s three forwards — Eto’o Fernando Torres and Demba Ba — have scored just five goals in 18 Premier League games, but the Blues manager insists their wider contribution has helped the team progress. “If they score 10 instead of five in the second half of the season, we’ll have more chances (to win),” Mourinho said.

“They always give something to the team. Every one of them who plays gives something. No winning goals, okay. But they give.”

Mourinho also refused to criticise Cameroon forward Eto’o, who failed to convert after being sent clear on Tremmel’s goal immediately before the break and then again when his volley was saved at point-blank range by the keeper.

“Today I can say the biggest person responsible for the lack of goals was their goalkeeper because he made three or four big saves,” Mourinho said.

“Today I’m saying their goalkeeper played very well. We didn’t miss. The goalkeeper made fantastic saves: Eto’o in the first half, the first minute save in the second half.

“At that moment, the action was good. Eto’o attacked the ball perfectly. My striker made the right move and attacked the ball, but the goalkeeper made a fantastic save. That’s fine.”

Mourinho singled out Hazard for praise after the Belgian turned in a man of the match performance, capped by his ninth goal of the season, confirming him as the club’s leading scorer this season.