Graham Potter has hailed Chelsea’s performance against Aston Villa as they dug in and suffered to claim a 2-0 win at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.
Chelsea came away with all three points thanks to Mason Mount’s brace, a goal in either half, which saw him net from a close ranger following a Tyrone Mings defensive howler, before striking a sublime free-kick into the far corner in the 65th minute.
They had Kepa Arrizabalaga to thank for keeping their clean sheet intact, their fourth in a row, after an exceptional goalkeeping display. He produced several stunning saves to frustrate the hosts and ensure Chelsea held onto their win at Villa Park.
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The win extended Chelsea’s unbeaten run to six games under Potter, ensuring they won their fifth game in a row and kept their fourth consecutive clean sheet.
Confidence is sky high in the Chelsea camp despite the injury problems and Potter was delighted after the tough afternoon in the Midlands following a trip back from Italy in midweek.
READ MORE: Player Ratings: Aston Villa 0-2 Chelsea | Premier League
Potter told Sky Sports: “It was a tough game. Aston Villa made us suffer, especially in the first half even though we took the lead. They put us under pressure and our goalkeeper made some good saves.
"It's important coming back from the Champions League game to respond.
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“I’m delighted for the players and it's a big three points for us.
"They have good players, the crowd gets involved in the game.
"Results are important and it's relentless, that's how we have to manage the players and the squad."
He added to reporters, via football.london: "We're delighted with the result because it was a hard-fought game. Aston Villa made us suffer. We lost our way a little bit in the second half of the first half, that is where we needed Kepa.
"It's not easy for us with the amount of games we've played. Aston Villa have a lot of quality on the pitch and they can cause you problems.
"I am happy with Mason and Kepa in particular to help us over the line."
READ MORE: 5 Things Learned: Aston Villa 0-2 Chelsea | Premier League
The 47-year-old knows Chelsea will have to dig deep and suffer at points, but they are prepared to win ugly if it means claiming all three points.
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He concluded: "There's a collective desire to do the ugly stuff in the game. If we have to suffer, we will suffer.
"We have humility and know the opponent will get the better of us sometimes, but that's football.
"But we can see the players running and see bodies on the line."
Topics: Graham Potter, Chelsea, Premier League, Aston Villa
Matthew Debono