Chelsea 1 Everton 1: Mourinho finds no joy in Chelsea's home record

It was not wise for Jose Mourinho to boast about statistics. OK, Chelsea equalled Liverpool's record of 63 home League games without defeat. But this draw against Everton was their fifth in succession in the Premiership, their worst run under Mourinho and one that has allowed their crown to slip.

"I'm not a man of records," the Chelsea manager later said. "What I choose is titles for my team. I'm very happy to share a record with Liverpool but I'm not happy at the fact that I did not win the Premiership." Mourinho added: "I feel I did everything I could. I feel I gave everything. I feel I didn't lose qualities. I did not sleep on the trophy or lose motivation. I did the best I could."

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If that sounded like a plea for clemency aimed at the Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, it probably was. The Russian billionaire was at Stamford Bridge, a rare appearance, and he clapped enthusiastically enough at the end as Mourinho led his players and staff on a low-key lap of honour.

That parade was made all the more downbeat by the walking wounded who took part in it. Behind Mourinho and his children hobbled an array of players - Michael Ballack, Ricardo Carvalho, Arjen Robben, Andrei Shevchenko. The list went on.

"You could see how many," Mourinho complained. "The picture is not a good picture." Added to it was John Obi Mikel, who departed yesterday with an ankle injury and is now another severe doubt for the FA Cup final on Saturday. Mourinho claimed he will struggle to fill the substitutes' bench for the Wembley finale as he now has only 15 fit out-field players.

Among them, however, is Didier Drogba, recovered from injury to start, whose goal not only confirmed him as the Premiership's top scorer with 20 but brought his season's total to 32 as well as preserving that home record.

It was, also, a highly contentious strike and, with his protestations, the Everton manager David Moyes was sent from the touch-line by the referee Mark Halsey. Moyes certainly had a point. Just seven minutes after James Vaughan had given the visitors the lead with an accomplished strike, Mikel Arteta, who had set up that goal, was clattered by Paulo Ferreira. It was a clear foul but Halsey waved play on and when Shaun Wright-Phillips crossed, the ball was swept home by Drogba.

"I went on the pitch and I shouldn't have done," Moyes said. "I accept it. But I've just been taught to stand up for what you feel is right."

Nevertheless the draw was a rich achievement and meant Everton finished in a highly commendable sixth place and with it earned Uefa Cup football.

If Drogba's goal was crucial, the turning point in the match probably came when Petr Cech brilliantly tipped away a volley by Vaughan after more fine work from Arteta.

The Spaniard was clearly the game's most accomplished performer but in Vaughan, just 18, Everton have a striker of great promise. Not only did he score, side-footing in from a Leon Osman cross after Arteta's clever break, but he also achieved the not inconsiderable feat of discomfiting John Terry.

Finally, for Everton, there was also a disallowed goal from James McFadden because James Beattie was offside - though not interfering. Mourinho had his statistic. But it must have felt like cold comfort.

Goals: Vaughan (50) 0-1; Drogba (57) 1-1.

Chelsea (4-1-3-2): Cech; Ferreira, Boulahrouz, Terry, Bridge (Hutchinson, 89); Mikel (Morais, 75); Wright-Phillips, J Cole (Sahar, 70), Lampard; Kalou, Drogba. Substitutes not used: Hilario (gk), Sawyer.

Everton (4-4-1-1): Howard; Hibbert, Yobo, Stubbs, Lescott; Arteta, Neville, Carsley, Fernandes (McFadden, 78); Osman; Vaughan (Beattie, 73). Substitutes not used: Turner (gk), Naysmith, Valente.

Referee: M Halsey (Lancashire).

Booked: Chelsea Bridge, J Cole; Everton Carsley.

Man of the match: Arteta.

Attendance: 41,746.