Jose Mourinho believes Chelsea should not be blamed for their recent late-season struggles.

The Premier League champions drew 1-1 with Liverpool last weekend before losing 3-0 at West Bromwich Albion on Monday night and although Mourinho has shouldered some of the blame, he feels the usual title contenders are to blame for their lapse.

"I cannot be critical of my players, because to be fair it was also my mentality. I cannot blame them without blaming myself," he told Sky Sports.

"The ideal scenario is to be champion and go home and you don't play again. If you blame somebody, you have to blame Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool because they let us win the title so early."

Saido Berahino scored twice and Chris Brunt once while Cesc Fabregas was sent off in the first half as Chelsea were beaten for the first time in 17 league matches.