Chelsea caretaker boss Roberto di Matteo has explained starting Juan Mata on the bench for the win over Stoke City.

Didier Drogba's goal, his 100th in the Premier League, came when he went by the keeper after he was found by a good Mata pass. The Spaniard hadn't started the game but was introduced after the sending off.

"I didn't start with Mata because I thought it was going to be a physical affair, as it always is against Stoke, and I wanted to have a physical team to start with," explained Di Matteo.

"I wasn't thinking about the Napoli game, today it was vital for us to get three points.

"Didier's was big goal for the team as well as for him, so he will be very pleased for his 100th league goal. He has been great for this club.

"The last two games we have won and scored three goals and kept two clean sheets. We are gaining confidence and belief and that is what we need to go forward."