Jose Mourinho has jumped to the defence of Michael Essien whose early mistake gifted Southampton the lead in Chelsea’s 3-1 win on Sunday.

The Ghana midfielder’s wayward back pass played in Jay Rodriguez who made no mistakes in putting the Saints ahead after just 13 seconds to stun the Stamford Bridge faithfulls.

The Blues had to work their socks off in getting back on level pegging through defender Gary Cahill before captain John Terry edged the side into the lead.

Demba Ba then secured the win with a late outstretched effort.

There were however some talks over Essien’s blunder – haven been handed a rare start by his Portuguese boss.

But Mourinho insists the Ghanaian’s mistake was only normal and fared well after the blunder.

“Everybody makes a mistake,” Mourinho told reporters.

“Strikers they miss goals, goalkeepers make mistakes and midfielders lose the ball, especially when they try to play, and he tried to play.

“He had a very normal performance. He played the same way Mikel plays or when Luiz plays in midfield.”

Mournho explained he only took off Essien at halftime because he was on a yellow card.

“He [Essiens] played his part in the stability of the team but one yellow card for 45 minutes is a long time.

“I had to take one [of him or Ramires off]. But he’s my man, he’s a Chelsea man and it’s no problem.”

Essien has had very limited first team opportunities on his return to Chelsea haven excelled on loan at Real Madrid last term ironically under Jose Mourinho.