Chelsea not in the right place to attack, says Mikel

Nigerian midfielder, John Obi Mikel, says Chelsea was not in the right place to attack in Monday night’s game against Manchester United and so had to settle for a draw.

The Blues held United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford, their third unbeaten game since Guus Hiddink took over.

”It was a good result in the end,” Mikel who marked his 351st Blues appearance in the game, said on the club’s website.

”There were a few chances for them and the same for us as well, but when you look back at the game a draw was a fair result.

”We went into the game not wanting to lose. We wanted to win, we didn’t want to draw and you could see that from the way we played and the chances we created, but at the same time you don’t want to lose.

”It was a balanced game and a step forward for us. Both teams are not in the right place now to attack, attack, attack and sometimes you have to be clever and settle for a point.”

Mikel praised his teammates for the performance, stating that if they put out the same approach, picking up points and keeping clean sheets, that they can make top four.

”I don’t think it’s (top four finish) gone,” Mikel said.

”We’ve got lots of games to catch up and if we keep going in this direction and keeping clean sheets, we will definitely score goals.”

Chelsea are unbeaten in three games under Hiddink – a similar feat to the Dutchman’s first spell with the Blues in 2009 where he lost just one out of the 22 games he managed.

Mikel believes the 69-year-old former Russia and Australia coach can lead the team to glory land but is insistent on the gradual progress.

”He was here before and he knows the place. There are different players but it’s the same staff; it’s only me, JT (John Terry) and Ivanovic from when he was here last time, but he knows what to do so we just have to take it step by step.

”We are down there in the table and he can’t just come in and perform miracles, but we want to get out of it and climb up the table, it’s three games now without losing so that’s a good step.’’

Chelsea currently occupy the 14th position, 15 points adrift the last Champions League slot, after 19 premier league games.