Sunday 4 December 2016 10:23, UK
Gianfranco Zola believes Chelsea's victory over Man City is a huge statement in the Premier League title race.
Antonio Conte's side came from behind to beat title rivals City 3-1 at the Etihad on Saturday, securing their eighth consecutive league win.
It extends their lead over City to four points, with second-place Arsenal three behind after their victory over West Ham.
When asked by Sky Sports whether victory over City represents a significant moment in the title race, Zola said: "It's huge.
"It is a game which they won but the way they won is very important. They had to suffer today and there were moments when City were on top and probably deserved to score another goal.
"Chelsea never gave up and in the end, the freshness of the physical condition and the quality of certain players came out and they won the game."
A Gary Cahill own goal gave City the lead just before half-time, and Kevin De Bruyne squandered a golden opportunity to double the hosts' advantage after the break.
The miss proved a turning point as Diego Costa swiftly equalised, and goals from Willian and Eden Hazard wrapped up the three points for the visitors.
"Especially when you play games like this, you have your moments and your spell when you play and create opportunities, but you have to understand that because of the quality of the opposition, they are going to have their spell too," Zola added.
"[When] you are able to control yourself in those moments, then you are showing you are a side that has everything you need to win the league."
Thierry Henry, alongside Zola in the Sky Sports studio, pinpointed Hazard's work rate to underline Chelsea's impressive display.
"What we saw from Chelsea is that they are a team," Henry said. "We saw Eden Hazard, yes he scored a goal and could have scored another one, but what I liked about his game is the way he defended, his work rate and what he did for the team.
"He was tucked in with Pedro, and then at the end you get your reward because you have a plan, a structure and you believe in what you do.
"When I leave the stadium today I'm going to say to my friend, I saw a team."
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