Chelsea star Raheem Sterling leaves Mauricio Pochettino feeling 'happy' after Fulham win

Sterling's moment of brilliance lured Issa Diop into a reckless challenge which won the game for Chelsea and Pochettino who can now enjoy the next 10 days having signed off for the break with a win said it was a good action from the Chelsea star. 

He told reporters after the game: "Good for the team. Good action and good performance to provide the team with the penalty. So happy. We achieved three points and a better position in the table." 

Chelsea have suddenly clicked into gear, winning four of their last five games at home and jumped ahead of Manchester United who are yet to play this weekend. Asked what he made of his team's form the Chelsea boss said: 

"If you see the last period of different competition, we were one of the best teams performing and talking about results, only the result we didn't get against Middlesbrough affected our run and perception of people. 

"If you go back to the last month, we were one of the better sides. Three games in a row in the Premier League, four at Stamford Bridge, the important thing for the team in the way we are building this process is to feel confident, trust and accept the criticism. 

"In Previous years in cups, teams were also defeated but that is part of the process, part of reality. We know very well the way we need to keep working and the players today were very professional. Very happy with the first 30 minutes of the second half and I think we performed and linked very well. Good to see this young team defend in the way we did and do everything to try and get the result."

The 2021 Champions League winners are next in action against Middlesbrough before the FA Cup game against Aston Villa comes along.