Former Scotland international Andy Gray believes that Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho should not be criticised for snubbing Juan Mata.

The Spain international midfielder, who has made just two starts under Mourinho this season, was left out of the squad that secured a 2-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday.

"Mourinho is a manager who will pick the best team, he won't just stick Mata on the pitch to get him on the pitch," Gray told talkSPORT. "He's made his mind up that Oscar is his number 10 and Mata isn't.

"I don't go along with the criticism that he's getting for leaving him out. Results will dictate whether the pressure begins to grow on Mourinho."

Mata was named as the Blues' Player of the Year for the last two seasons.

Written by
Danielle Joynson