Cech hails 'massive' victory for Blues

Chelsea take a step closer to a top four finish with victory over champions Manchester United

Petr Cech keeps out a Manchester United effort while Azpilicueta and Anderson look on (GETTY IMAGES)

Goalkeeper Petr Cech hailed Chelsea's 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford as “massive” as they moved into third in the Barclays Premier League.

Juan Mata netted a deflected goal in the 87th minute to send the Blues a point clear of Arsenal and put them three ahead of Tottenham, who they play at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

"It was a massive moment," Cech told Sky Sports 1.

"After the results yesterday (both Arsenal and Tottenham won), we knew we had to win.

"We have a massive game and we go into the game three ahead - if we win we leave them behind, it changed the preparation for Wednesday."

It was Mata's 19th goal of the season and the Spaniard is hopeful the strike will be a catalyst for his side to secure a Champions League place for next season.

"It was an important victory, it was like a final.

"We have another great game next week we have to win and aim to get third.

"I'm scoring more goals than ever. I'm really happy, I want to keep scoring, keep assisting and keep helping the team.

"We have three more games to play, we want to win as many as we can.

"We deserve to play in the Champions League next season.

"If we play together like today we can do it."

PA