Goals from Eden Hazard, Gary Cahill and two from Diego Costa sunk Southampton and restored Chelsea’s seven-point lead at the top, with second-place Spurs facing a tricky game at in form Crystal Palace tonight.
Cahill, who has just recovered from a bout of gastroenteritis which hospitalised him last week, said: “It feels like a massive step. It’s the first time for a long time we’ve played before Tottenham.
“I feel OK now. The lads didn’t miss me against Tottenham at Wembley [4-2 FA Cup victory on Saturday]. This result leaves us in a good position but we have a big game this weekend at Everton.”
Hazard’s goal was his 15th of the season – his best return yet for Chelsea – and he said: “It’s good to put pressure on Tottenham. I hope they have trouble against Palace.
“I want to take a trophy at the end of the season. If my goals help to win games then that’s good.”
The brace was Costa’s 50th and 51st goals for Chelsea and, after his second had sealed the game, he angrily cupped an ear to the fans who had been so impatient with him.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said: “I have a squad full of great men and great players. It wasn’t easy to play two and a half days after a tough game against Tottenham at Wembley. We must be pleased.
“It’s important for us just to look at ourselves, and not the other team. This race will continue until the end. We must be ready and prepare for the next game in the right way.
“To score at the end of the first half was very important. I was confident. The team showed a great will to win. In this part of the season, it’s not easy.”
Despite the defeat, Saints manager Claude Puel was still in a jovial mood. “I’m angry with Hazard tonight,” he said, joking. “I had the privilege to give him his start when we were at Lille. At 16, he was the same. He’s having a fantastic career.”
