Mata making it look easy

Juan Mata turned in another scintillating display to help Chelsea to a 3-1 victory over Everton on Saturday, playing a part in the build-up to Daniel Sturridge's opener, before laying on the third for Ramires to fire home, after instigating a superb breakaway.

The 23-year-old Spaniard has settled quickly into life at Stamford Bridge, with his impressive performances drawing the plaudits as he spearheads Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas' charge for the Barclays Premier League title.

"I enjoyed the match because it was an important game for us," Mata revealed after the game. "We needed to win to keep up at the top of the table, and it was a good game.

"From the first match I had a goal and it brought confidence for me, and I am enjoying the city and the club."


 

Fellow winger, and in-form forward Sturridge, who was the beneficiary of Mata's good link-up play in the first-half when he set Chelsea on their way to victory, heaped further praise on his teammate.

"He gives everything every single game," he said. "He runs very hard every game and is a very creative player for us, making a lot of chances and scoring his fair share of goals.

"He's a great acquisition and we're glad to have him."

Chelsea's latest win closes the gap on Manchester United, who could only manage a draw at Liverpool, and keeps them within touching distance of leaders Manchester City who won 4-1 against Aston Villa.