Manager Antonio Conte made a point of praising the travelling Chelsea fans after the spirited 2-1 extra-time victory over Leicester in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
More than 5,000 Blues supporters made the trip on a bitterly cold day for the Sunday evening kick-off and sang Conte’s name throughout.
The appreciative Italian said the backing made a big difference to the side, who have reached the semi-finals of the competition for the second season in a row.
Chelsea will face Southampton in the last-four tie on either Saturday, April 21st or Sunday, April 22nd, having also made the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup this season.
“We want give the best satisfaction to our fans, who pushed the team a lot today,” Conte said.
“I want to thank the fans for their support.
“When you arrive at this point, every game is difficult. Southampton) have just changed coach but now it is important to be happy and to go for another game at Wembley. We want to give satisfaction to our fans.
“I must be pleased with the commitment of the players. If you can win a trophy it is important for a team like Chelsea.”