Cahill backs Costa to help Chelsea ‘finish the job’

Gary Cahill is confident Diego Costa will soon end his mini goal drought.

Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Burnley was the fourth game in a row in which the Chelsea striker has failed to score.

It is Costa’s longest run without a goal so far this season, but Blues defender Cahill insists it is nothing to worry about.

“It did not even cross my mind to be honest,” Cahill said when asked whether he thought Costa’s form had dipped.

“It’s a team thing. If we had played a lot better [at Burnley], then Diego gets a few more opportunities. It goes hand in hand.

“I think we dug in when we had to. It wasn’t the prettiest – it wasn’t a nice sunny afternoon at Stamford Bridge where we can just zip the ball about.”

The point gained at Turf Moor extended Chelsea’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to 10 points.

It looked a useful point in light of a defeat for closest rivals Tottenham, at Liverpool.

“We have done so much hard work this season, to get us in this position, to almost see the finish line,” said Cahill.

“With 13 games now, it’s important that we chalk the games off with the right results, and we have it in our make up now: don’t lose.

“It’s a time to press on. The motivation to try and finish the job should be there for everyone.

“There is a light at the end of the tunnel now and it’s just important we keep working, keep focused, keep doing what we have been doing for 95 per cent of the season.

“It’s obviously going to be tough to cross the line and there is plenty of football to be played.

“But we have to keep focused, keep working and keep believing in what we have been doing all season.”