Two of our outstanding performers in Monday’s win against Manchester City have been reflecting on the game.
There were impressive Chelsea displays all over the pitch as we completed the double over Manuel Pellegrini’s side, none more so than that of Nemanja Matic, who shone in the middle of the park.
The Serbian felt the manager’s preparations played a pivotal role in enabling us to become the first side to emerge from the Etihad Stadium this season having not tasted defeat in the Premier League.
‘We prepared very well, the manager showed us some videos of Man City to show their quality and where we could capitalise on their mistakes,’ Matic explained. ‘He prepared us very well as you saw on the pitch. Every player knew what he had to do at every moment in order to get the result.
‘It was very important for us, we now have more confidence because it’s not easy to play against Manchester City. They are a strong team and they play very quickly.
‘We showed we can compete with any team, we scored one goal and I felt we could have scored more because we had some great opportunities, but sometimes one goal is enough to win.’
Matic’s midfield partner on the night, David Luiz, was delighted with the result, but emphasised the importance of building on the victory when we welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
‘It was a difficult game against a strong team. Both teams created a lot of opportunities, Man City have scored many goals in their last few games but we stopped them and it was good for us,’ he said.
‘We need to keep working hard and keep our feet on the floor. It was just one more game and three points. You have to improve every day if you want to win the title.
‘When you play against a strong team like Man City you can feel the importance, but in terms of the table it’s just another three points, that’s the truth.’
The Brazilian has now played a significant midfield role in big wins against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Regardless of where he’s asked to play, however, the player himself is simply pleased to be involved.
‘I love to play for Chelsea, I love to play football, it doesn’t matter if I play in midfield or defence,’ he said.
‘I’m just lucky to play for a big club and it’s nice when you can play with very good players like Matic.’
– A clip of Nemanja Matic talking to Chelsea TV after the game can be viewed above (subject to registration) with the full interview available now via the channel’s online access.