Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas was happy to take aim at their doubters after victory over Champions League opponents Valencia last night.

Didier Drogba broke the deadlock with a third-minute drive and, after Ramires prodded home at second, secured victory by neatly flicking in a Juan Mata through-ball in the second half.

"It helps to score straight away in the game," Villas-Boas said.

"It gave the team the right emotional stance for the rest of the game and gave a full boost in confidence.

"To get the second not long afterwards made the team even more confident on what was happening.

"In terms of the result and what happens in us finishing top, it's fantastic. It's against all odds.

"Nobody, or anybody here, would have bet on us finishing top, but it's happened and it is very, very gratifying for the team.

"The team were excellent. It is a win of human values, of team spirit, solidarity, responsibility, strength of character, ability to take criticism, resilience, and this is a great win for Chelsea players.

"They deserve a respect that they don't get.

"We've been continually chased by different kinds of people, but today we've given everybody (those critics) a slap in the face."