Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has acknowledged the significance of the club's 1-0 triumph over Stoke City this afternoon.
Di Matteo, who was taking charge of his first Premier League game at Stamford Bridge, admits that it was "important" to emerge with a win following the events of the last week.
"I thought we started bright," he told Sky Sports News. "We had a few chances in the opening 15 minutes and we also hit the woodwork three times.
"With the events of the last week, it was important for us to just get that win. You can feel there was a bit of nervousness, but better times will come.
"We just have to work as a team and we can get some more results."
Following their win, Chelsea remain outside the top four on goal difference alone.
