.... the booing of "own" players seems to be a bit of a trend nationwide at the moment. Jose Mourinho had to defend German international Michael Ballack, who was heckled by the home fans during the match with the Toon on Wednesday.Mourinho: "I don't select players because of the fans. I select players from my analysis - some of them based on my vision of the game. In my opinion, Ballack is still an 'untouchable'.
"Drogba was injured. A normal player, with a normal attitude would not have played. So I was trying to explain to him the best decision was to save him. If the result was positive at half-time we would not have played him.
"But I felt we needed him at half-time. His attitude in the game and the way he worked for the team meant he was very important for us. He is one of the top players at the moment.
"I am not disappointed with the result. They defended very well and were very good tactically. They have only one player in attack but that player, Obafemi Martins, can kill you because he is fast. We tried to give more in attack but at the same time the defence was a little more fragile because Michael Essien is not a central defender.
"We deserved the three points. But, no doubts, we should play better. However, the result is the most important. I am enjoying the experience of being second in December because I've not had that since I've been here.
"We are the second team and in this moment Manchester United are top with five points because they deserve to be there. But there is a long way to go and I don't see it as five points, I see it as three because they still have to come here.
"It is up to us. I am not saying we will win that game 100% for sure but it is with us. So until we play against them we have to be sure we have two more points than them when we meet."