There is tension in the air at Stamford Bridge, and a sense that Chelsea are treading water rather than progressing.

The only comfort is that others are also juddering and grinding through the gears, like old bangers on a used car lot; first, second, top… then reverse.

Wins, when they come, are greeted with relief as much as joy. Even draws are hailed as positive advances.

Jose Mourinho was so overcome by the recent last-gasp victory over Manchester City that he clambered into the stand to embrace his son.

Eight years ago, in his first managerial spell, he’d have reacted with a half smile and modest handshake.

Last weekend, Jose’s 100th game at the Bridge produced a close shave against West Brom… nearly ending his unbeaten-at-home-in-the-league record.

A dubious penalty ‘won’ by Ramires deep in stoppage time allowed Eden Hazard to score a late equaliser.

Baggies manager Steve Clarke – surely a future Blues gaffer – had a face like thunder. Even 45 minutes after the final whistle he was still fuming with injustice.

In truth he’d have settled for a point at the start of the afternoon, which began with a meticulously observed minute’s silence for Remembrance.

Jose, on the other hand, was expecting to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Nothing is actually going wrong with the Chelsea team at the moment, but there is a carelessness about play, typified by goalie Petr Cech’s form.

He made one corking point-blank save when he batted Gareth McAuley’s header upwards in the 61st minute, but neither he nor the defenders were able to stop Shane Long from converting.

West Brom then snatched a runaway lead, and it was only ref Andre Marriner’s generosity at the death that let Chelsea level.

Typically bullish, Mourinho claimed he felt the most aggrieved by refereeing decisions.

Nothing can disguise a sense that the team is unsettled and in need of a good kick up the Arsenal.