Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has praised his side for 'playing a different kind of football' to overcome Nottingham Forest.
The Blues went into Saturday's Premier League fixture at the City Ground on the back of two impressive victories over Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United respectively.
However, Chelsea were forced to battle hard to achieve three points against Forest, rallying during the final quarter-of-an-hour to record a 3-2 win.
Having fallen 2-1 behind to a curling effort from Callum Hudson-Odoi, Raheem Sterling responded with a smartly-executed shot at the other end.
Moments later, the returning Reece James advanced down the right before delivering the perfect cross for Nicolas Jackson to head home his 14th Premier League goal of the season, one which secured a third consecutive win.
What did Pochettino have to say?
Pochettino felt Chelsea's cause was not helped due to Forest effectively being guaranteed Premier League safety prior to the match courtesy of Burnley and Luton Town losing their respective games.
Nevertheless, the Argentine gave the impression that the circumstances made the comeback triumph all the more sweeter having witnessed his side throw caution to the wind after falling behind, with Moises Caicedo left as the only recognised central midfielder.
Speaking to reporters, as quoted by football.london, Pochettino said: "It's always difficult to play against a team that is celebrating because the freedom of the players is always there, a better performance and they have more energy. We started the game and we scored and then we conceded a goal which we cannot concede in this way.
"I think we controlled the game but they were very dangerous in the transition. They have very good players, so fast and they created when we take risks. Always you need talented players, players from the bench to make a big impact like happened today and a little bit lucky to win the game.
"I'm so happy because the important thing is always to believe and never give up. The team showed their resilience and maturity to fight until the end and I am so pleased because maybe you cannot perform like we did against West Ham and Tottenham.
"In this type of game, you need to be a bit more mature and at the same time to play a different type of football. That is important if you want to be in a higher position in the league table."
Where does the win leave Chelsea?
Chelsea went into the Forest game knowing that prevailing from their remaining three matches would ensure that they finish in the top seven of the table.
As a result of Newcastle United's 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea are now level on points with the sixth-placed Magpies, who go to eighth-placed Manchester United on Wednesday.
There is a scenario where all three teams will be level on the same points with two games left if Man United can defeat Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
However, if Chelsea can avoid defeat versus Brighton on Wednesday, they will have their fate in their own hands, regardless of the result between Man United and Newcastle on the same evening, heading into next Sunday's meeting with Bournemouth. body check tags ::
