Premier League: Jose Mourinho content with Chelsea draw at Sunderland

Jose Mourinho said Chelsea tried everything against Sunderland but insisted he was content with a point after his side were held to a goalless draw on Saturday Night Football.

It is the first time this season that the Blues have failed to score and rarely did they look like breaking the deadlock against a stubborn Sunderland defence.

Mourinho, though, had no complaints about the displays of either team and said it was a point gained for the unbeaten Blues.

“I have nothing negative to say about my team,” he said. “It was a difficult match. Only one team wanted to win, the other wanted to stop us winning, but they did well.

Defending a lot and well is not a crime, it’s part of the game, it’s strategy and they were successful in their approach.

"They defended a lot but they defended well. Defending a lot and well is not a crime, it’s part of the game, it’s strategy and they were successful in their approach.

“My players tried everything, we took risks and ended the game with tired players, which gave them a bit of space and a few chances.”

For most of the game chances were at a premium as Sunderland defended deeply and attempted to hit the league leaders on the break.

They created a couple of opportunities in the second half but neither goalkeeper was seriously tested as the Black Cats drew their third match in a row.

“They defended very well and the lines were very good,” said Mourinho. “We had a lot of the ball, we tried and didn’t change our football, we tried to play. In the last part we brought on fresh players to try and have more depth in attack but the game was always difficult.”

The draw sees Chelsea extend their lead at the top to seven points although that could be cut when second-placed Southampton host Manchester City on Super Sunday.