The start of Chelsea's title defence has been overshadowed by the behind-the-scenes manoeuvring that saw Mourinho remove medical staff Eva Carneiro and Jon Fearn from their touchline roles after infuriating the manager by entering the Stamford Bridge playing surface to attend to Eden Hazard in the 2-2 draw with Swansea City.

From the opening seconds of City's emphatic 3-0 victory it was Chelsea who looked like a suitable case for treatment - despite Mourinho's farcical claim that the scoreline did not reflect the game.

In truth, it did not, but not in the way Mourinho thought. City could have inflicted more punishment, leaving Chelsea and their manager with much to ponder after a poor start.

Mourinho has faced heavy flak for his decision to effectively demote Carneiro and Fearn, especially from the medical profession, but also from some Chelsea fans who feel it was an over-reaction - even from a manager and personality they adore.

Such was the apparent sensitivity of the situation that the normally talkative Mourinho drew a line under questions about the subject at his pre-match media briefing, threatening to cut the news conference short if pressed on the matter.

There was almost a pantomime air to proceedings when the new medical team of Chris Hughes and Steven Hughes made their first appearance to treat the stricken Gary Cahill at Etihad Stadium, Manchester City's fans rising in a standing ovation and embellishing the mirth with the chant of "You're Getting Sacked In The Morning".

To add a macabre tone, Diego Costa then suffered a head wound as Cahill was still receiving treatment, forcing the City medics into action as Chelsea's were otherwise engaged. Where was another Chelsea doctor - or two - when you need one?

On Sunday's evidence, his medical staff are the least of Mourinho's worries and he will maintain he has acted within his authority. He will not move from that position and sees no need to offer the apology some have suggested he might.

Chelsea's performance at City was so bad that it unwittingly did the job Mourinho required, pushing the debate off the agenda and on to on-field matters.

It has, however, provided an unseemly sideshow and a distraction at a time when Mourinho must focus his full attention on a Chelsea team that is clearly out of sorts?

(BBC)