Chelsea boss hails Mata after Norwich vital win

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez was quick to praise Juan Mata as one of the league's best players after the Spaniard struck a crucial winner for the club's 1-0 win over Norwich on Boxing Day. In our previous game last Sunday, the Spanish attacking midfielder failed to record his name in the score sheet as Chelsea defeat Aston Villa in an 8 goal thriller.

But today, his only goal was vital to secure all 3 points for us as we move closer behind Manchester city. Chelsea were the better side in a game that lacked clear cut chances, but our hard work paid when Mata struck from 25 yards in the 38th minute to settle the match and condemn Norwich to a second defeat in four days.

And Benitez has this to say: "He is playing really well. Even without the ball he is working hard but when we are in possession he is making the difference, I always say the same; if the team are playing well these players can make the difference.

"I think the Premier League has a lot of good players and Mata is one of the best for sure. He can be even better. Mata is a player who is dangerous, inside the box and outside the box. "We knew that was a difficult pitch, They (Norwich) won against Manchester United and Arsenal. It was tough, but I was really pleased with the performance of the players. The team are showing character. I am really pleased with the work rate and the style of play."

Now Chelsea close the gap to four points behind second place Manchester City in the league table.

Cyracks Zenda

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