Chelsea showed their strength, boss insists

Roberto Di Matteo admitted his Chelsea side suffered a hangover from their midweek Champions League win over Benfica, but insisted they showed their strength by managing to beat Wigan.

The interim boss made a host of changes for the game against the Latics, but the home side produced a below-par display.

Nevertheless, Chelsea’s 2-1 victory – their eighth win in 10 matches since Di Matteo was placed in charge – moved them a step closer to the top four.

“After a Champions League game there’s always a concern that you might have a little hangover for the weekend,” he said.

“I think in the first half we didn’t really get into the game. The tempo was slow and the intensity was low, and there’s always that concern when you play midweek.

“But we are in a position that we have to win and we are pleased that we got the three points even though you’d say it wasn’t a sparkling performance.

“I think that also shows the strength of the team. Teams that win the league don’t always put a sparkling performance in.”

See also: Last-ditch Mata goal gives Chelsea victory

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