Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has acknowledged that his players must find a way to 'keep their momentum going' if they are to have a chance of securing European qualification after thrashing West Ham United by a 5-0 scoreline.
On Thursday night, the Blues produced one of their most efficient performances of the season in disposing of another London rival in Tottenham Hotspur by a 2-0 scoreline.
Three days later, Chelsea were simply ruthless, outclassing the Hammers in both halves to move ahead of Manchester United and into seventh position in the Premier League standings.
Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher and Noni Madueke all got on the scoresheet during the opening 45 minutes, before Nicolas Jackson scored twice after the break.
As a result, Chelsea are ahead of Man United on goal difference, albeit having played a game more with the Red Devils in action against Crystal Palace on Monday night.
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What did Pochettino have to say?
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Pochettino claimed he was unable to stay relaxed in the dugout because he was desperate for his team to secure a clean sheet that marked the first back-to-back shutouts in the Premier League since his arrival at the club.
The Argentine said: "I'm so happy for the players and staff. After the victory against Tottenham and to come back again after a few days is very good.
"It was a brilliant game, it was amazing. They reacted in the right way. I was so happy how we competed on Thursday and we have talented players to create chances and score goals.
"I wasn't relaxed in the dugout, I wanted to keep a clean sheet. West Ham are a powerful team on set-pieces and we needed some luck. It was important not just to win the game but also get the clean sheet."
He added: "We need to keep this momentum and belief going. We are going to rest tomorrow and Tuesday we will prepare for Nottingham Forest. It's step by step but most important is the mentality."
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What next for Chelsea?
Having played two matches in less than 72 hours, Chelsea now have a full week of preparation before squaring off against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday evening.
That fixture will take place in the hours after Newcastle United face Brighton & Hove Albion in another crucial top-seven fixture, and a day before Man United play host to Arsenal.
Chelsea conclude the season with an away fixture at Brighton and a home encounter versus Bournemouth.
Darren Plant
