Reigning Premier League Chelsea slumped to a 3-0 defeat at title rivals Manchester City earlier today leaving Jose Mourinho's side with only a solitary point from their opening two matches.
Such is the nature of the Premier League, alarm bells already appear to be ringing at Stamford Bridge and to be fair it took 15 matches before Chelsea tasted the first of only three league defeats last season.
A major talking point of the game was Jose Mourinho's decision to substitute his captain John Terry at half-time, the Portuguese confirmed the 34 year old's switch with Kurt Zouma was tactical after the match. Terry's substitution was amazingly the first time Mourinho has subbed off his captain ever, amassing 177 appearances from start to finish in the Premier League.
Mourinho said in his post-match interview that "It was clear to me Zouma has to play", and commented that he brought Terry back into the fold at Chelsea and made him captain when previous managers had left him out.
The former England captain didn't perform poorly during a first-half where Sergio Aguero gave City a 1-0 advantage, but the motive behind his substitution led to a difference of opinion between Sky Sports analyst's Niall Quinn and Graeme Souness. Quinn believed that the move could be the beginning of the end for John Terry Stamford Bridge.
The former Ireland striker said:
I'm certain it would've crossed his mind that he's got a hell of a battle to get back into the team.
I don't think Terry will play next weekend. I'm of the belief that he has a job on his hand to convince his manager.
This could be the start of the end of the phasing out of John Terry.
However Liverpool legend Souness disagreed and believed there was a much more calculated reason for Terry's removal and it could lead to friction between Mourinho and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
He said,
I think it's the manager trying to make a statement to the owner in as much that he needs more players.
I think he was emphasising that point today by the actions of taking Terry off and introducing Juan Cuadrado later.
There is a case for both sides, John Terry turns 35 in December and Chelsea are actively pursuing 21-year-old Everton centre-back John Stones. However, Terry was arguably the best defender in the league last season, he has never relied on pace and has had a good injury record throughout his career. It remains to be seen who will be proved right.
