Chelsea skipper John Terry believes his team have struck a significant blow by following up their victory over Liverpool by beating another of the championship candidates.

Terry proved Sunday's matchwinner against Manchester United.

"That's where we lost the title last season, as well as too many draws at home," said Terry. "I'm delighted we've played Liverpool and Man United and got the victories.

"It was a great win away to Bolton (4-0) and the goals have been there. But there will be times this season when we need to grind out a result and we've done that."

Chelsea take on Wolves after the international break, before a crucial meeting with Arsenal. Terry is eager for another big scalp and feels if Chelsea can put more distance between themselves and the chasing pack, they have the experience to lead all the way to the end in May.

He said: "We come home from England, then we go to Wolves and then it's Arsenal. They are tough games and it's important to keep that five-point lead and try to increase it. Man United have got tough games coming up as well. With the way we're playing, it's important that we build up a good cushion.

"It's encouraging to know that the two times we won the League we did it from the front. We got ahead and we led all the way. We have that confidence in the back of our minds. That could be key for us and fingers crossed we can do the same this time.

"We don't just want to maintain the five-point gap, we want to increase that lead."