Grant proud of performance

2007-09-24 10:33

Manchester, England - Chelsea manager Avram Grant couldn't have been given a more uncomfortable introduction to the Premier League.

Not only did refereeing decisions go against Grant in Sunday's 2-0 loss at Manchester United, but throughout the match at Old Trafford the Blues fans expressed their support for Jose Mourinho, who left the team on Wednesday.

If the fans had heard Grant's post-match denouncement of the referee, however, they wouldn't have detected much of a change from his predecessor.

The 52-year-old former Israel coach even lodged an appeal against the red card shown to John Obi Mikel in the 32nd minute by referee Mike Dean for a two-footed challenge on Patrice Evra.

Then Carlos Tevez scored his first goal for United three minutes into first-half injury time - after the fourth official had indicated just two additional minutes.

Louis Saha scored with a penalty kick in the 90th despite appearing to dive when challenged by Tal Ben Haim.

"He (Dean) made three mistakes only - the red card, the goal after additional time and the penalty," Grant said. "Apart from this he was good."

'I am very proud'

Grant also believed United striker Wayne Rooney, who had already been booked, should have been dismissed when he appeared to stamp on Ashley Cole's foot in the 70th.

"(Alex) Ferguson can be happy with the referee today. He can be more than happy not only that Rooney was not sent off for a second yellow card, but for the other decisions," Grant said.

Despite the disappointing debut after a week of turmoil at Stamford Bridge, Grant was upbeat.

"I am very proud of what the players did this week - how they behaved, how they trained, their spirit," Grant said. "It's not easy for them and also not for me."

Chelsea dropped to sixth place, having not earned three points since a 1-0 victory in August over Portsmouth.

But Grant believes his players are capable of clawing back the five points separating his team from leader Arsenal, which has played one game fewer.

"Of course we can still win the Premier League," Grant said. "I remember last season the difference between Manchester United and Chelsea was 12 points, and then when it was nine everyone said we could become champions.

"Five points is not a big problem for us now. We need to win games and then think about it but we can still have a good season."

- AP