Carlo Ancelotti believes Chelsea have emerged from their recent slump with yesterday's 2-1 victory over neighbours Fulham.
Carlo Ancelotti believes Chelsea have emerged from their recent slump with yesterday's 2-1 victory over neighbours Fulham.
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The Blues restored their five-point lead at the Premier League summit by scoring twice in two second-half minutes, through Didier Drogba and a Chris Smalling own-goal.
Chelsea entered the match with a solitary victory from seven games this month and Ancelotti was delighted by his players' response in adversity.
"This match didn't come at a good time for us," said the Italian.
"We went behind and the most important thing is the reaction in the second half, which was fantastic.
"It was not easy to change the game but we showed great determination and willingness. "With this performance we finished a difficult period for the team.
"This could be an important victory in the season because I'm very happy with the reaction of the team during a bad spell.
"We reacted as a team and not individuals. Fulham are not easy to play - they are well organised and score goals.
"I was not angry at half time because I was it was difficult in the first half. We played slowly and needed more concentration in midfield."
At the halfway stage of the season Chelsea top the Premier League and remain in the Champions League, allowing Ancelotti to reflect on an encouraging start to his reign at Stamford Bridge.
"Yes I'm satisfied. It was not a good December for us but that month is finished and now we look forward to January," he said.
"We can do better and maintain our position at the top of the table."
Fulham were outstanding in defence until they buckled before the Chelsea onslaught and manager Roy Hodgson, who absolved Smalling of blame for the own goal, felt his side deserved a point.
"It was a competitive game. We took the lead early on which meant we had something to hold onto," he said.
"Subconsciously that tends to limit what you do offensively, especially when you're defending as well as we did.
"My disappointment is that such a hard working performance which saw us defend so well against a rampant Chelsea team with many quality players didn't get any reward."
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