After Matchweek 6, it looked like Antonio Conte's Chelsea were losing their way in the English Premier League (EPL) as they languished in eighth spot, eight points off the top, after a draw and two losses in three games.
However, a look at the EPL table now, and Chelsea sit comfortably in fourth position, just one point off the top three teams.
Chelsea midfielder, Nemanja Matic revealed that the 3-0 thrashing the Blues suffered at the hands of Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium is what inspired them to push on and find back their form.
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Arsenal loss motivated us, says Matic
Following Sunday night's EPL match against Manchester United, where Chelsea handed Jose Mourinho’s team a 4-0 loss, Matic said that a trouncing by Arsenal served as the right source of motivation to work hard for the Chelsea players and get back in form.
“Sometimes you need to lose a game to wake up. The Arsenal game was a wake-up call for us. We knew we had to do better, to want it more, and we did that. After Arsenal, we knew we had to show that we had quality, and we have done that in the last three games. We have showed quality, we don’t concede, and we score goals,” Matic said.
Matic, however, said that playing against his former manager, Mourinho did not act as an extra inspiration to do well. The Serbian, who was brought back to Chelsea by Mourinho, felt that every game was important and the opponent does not matter when playing for a big club like Chelsea.
Every game a different story, says the Serbian
The 28-year-old is developing a good partnership with French midfielder, N’Golo Kante and both have helped their team put in disciplined performances. The Blues have scored nine goals in the last three EPL games and not conceded a single goal, however, Matic wants to remain grounded and take one game at a time.
“Of course we don’t forget that we lost against Arsenal and against Liverpool. But of course the table shows that we are there, we are near. We will try to continue like this.
“City started very well until the last few games when they dropped points, which is good for us. It’s a long season. So we will see what is going to happen until May. Every game is a different story,” Matic said.
Chelsea will face London rivals, West Ham United in the English Football League (EFL) Cup Round of 16 clash on Wednesday. The Blues will look to continue their run of form and outperform a Hammers side that has been lacklustre so far this season.
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