Mata backing Torres, Essien to inspire Chelsea

Juan Mata sees Fernando Torres and Michael Essien key to Chelsea's second-half of the season.

Misfiring striker Torres, a £50m signing from Liverpool 12 months ago, has gone more than 1,000 minutes without a goal but Mata is convinced his fellow Spaniard will come back to form.

“Villas-Boas says it is a question of mentality and we can develop a superior game,” said Mata. “We need to rediscover our best level because we are entering a very important time now with the Champions League and Premier League.

“For a forward like Fernando (Torres) not to score is agony because he is such a great player. But he can end that at any time and Sunday could be the perfect day.

“His belief is good. I know he believes in himself and that is important.

“We need the force and power of Michael Essien [the midfielder is back after missing the first five months of the season with a knee injury] in the squad and I believe we are now in a good way to challenge and compete.

"Now we need to set our objectives and for now we must obtain third position and improve from there.”