Joe Cole believes Chelsea's victory over West Ham sent a resounding message to their critics in the aftermath of their Carling Cup final defeat.

"It was a great response, not just from the players who played, but from everyone at the club," said Cole.

"We have had a good week to take it all in and we have put in a good performance. The run-in has started and it is a good time to come into form.

"I don't get too much involved with all the dramas around the club. My job as a player is to try and perform as best as I can when selected. I played and made a contribution so I am happy with that and happy we got the right result.

"The right performances and the right attitude were all there today for everyone to see so it was a great response."