Chelsea Fans Should Be Grateful To Fernando Torres

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho blamed his club’s lack of cutting edge following a 1-1 draw against Champions League last-16 opponents Galatasaray.

The Premier League leaders took an early lead in Istanbul as Fernando Torres capitalised on poor defending to net an easy opener. Yet the London outfit were unable to see out a win, conceding poor second-half goal to leave the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg in three weeks’ time.

Torres impressed in his first start since the beginning of January, putting in a decent shift as he caused problems for the opposition defence. He was eventually substituted in the 68^th minute, with Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o coming on to replace him.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Mourinho reserved special praise for his 29-year-old striker, highlighting him as one of the evening’s star performers.

“I think my two most dangerous players in the first half, Fernando [Torres] and [Andre] Schurrle were both in trouble in the second half.”

“Nando because he was physically exhausted and Schurrle also a bit of that because he’s not playing a lot in the Premier League. But also the yellow card put him in some difficult situations and step by step we were back.”

It is great to see Torres back in the starting line-up and back on the score sheet and although we are all expecting Chelsea to strengthen in attack over the summer, at least the Spaniard showed he can offer a goal threat in what remains of the season.

Follow @chrisslinnell