'Football from the 19th century' - Mourinho hits out at West Ham tactics

Chelsea were frustrated at Stamford Bridge as Sam Allardyce's side kept the hosts at bay with a string of last-ditch blocks, with Andy Carroll operating as a lone striker


Jose Mourinho has labelled West Ham's style of play "football from the 19th century" following Chelsea's goalless draw at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.

Chelsea threw everything at Sam Allardyce's side in the second half but failed to find a way past the Hammers, who were reliant on strong performances from goalkeeper Adrian, James Collins, James Tomkins and the midfield, who sat deep throughout the home sides' 39-shot onslaught.

The stalemate has left Chelsea three points behind new Premier League leaders Manchester City, who secured a 5-1 victory over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

"This is not Premier League, this is not the best league in the world. This is football from the 19th century," Mourinho told reporters.

"It's very difficult to play a football match when only one team wants to play. A football match is about two teams playing.

"I told Big Sam, they need points. To come here the way they did, is that acceptable? Maybe it is, they need points."

Mourinho insisted there was little more his side could do to break down West Ham, who came away from Stamford Bridge with a point for only the second time since September 2002.

He joked: "The only thing I could bring more was Black & Decker - a Black & Decker to destroy the [West Ham] wall."