Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho hailed the high-energy display of Michael Essien as the driving force behind their opening win of the season. John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba scored the goals as the champions started the new campaign with a 3-0 win over 10-man Manchester City. Lampard took the man-of-the-match award, but it was Essien's performance in central midfield which earned praise from the manager. Mourinho said: "We had just two players in the centre of midfield and they had a big area to cover. "Essien had so much energy that I have to control him from the outside. "If I didn't control his position on the pitch he would disappear from where I want him." Mourinho had six first-teamers missing against City. He hopes to have Claude Makelele and Michael Ballack fit to face Middlesbrough on Wednesday, but promised Essien he will start in midfield. Mourinho said: "When you play like Essien did, he will play the next game for sure. He was amazing and so he has to play the next game." Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz has passed his medical and should complete his £6m transfer from Hamburg if the move gets international clearance on Monday. Boulahrouz could also be available for the trip to Boro, giving Mourinho more options in defence. Mourinho said: "He is a player who can play in more than one position and in a short squad it is very important to have that sort of player to cover for many positions." The Chelsea boss refused to comment on the Ashley Cole saga apart from to say the left-back was still an Arsenal player. He also said William Gallas would train with the Blues tomorrow, although he refused to confirm the wantaway French defender would still be at Stamford Bridge next month. | 
