Danny Sturridge says Chelsea's come-from-behind victory over Fulham has lifted spirits at Stamford Bridge.

The 20-year-old striker was a second-half substitute in Monday's west London derby and played a major part in the winning goal, an own-goal by Fulham defender Chris Smalling.

"Everybody is absolutely delighted we got the win because we have had some hard times and I thought we deserved to win because of the amount of effort the lads put in," said Sturridge.

"We worked very hard as a team and the boys came back very strong. Fulham pushed us quite hard because they had a good game as well but it doesn't matter how we got the win, everybody is going home with smiles on their faces because we got the three points."

The England Under 21 international insists there was no drop in confidence in the squad despite a run of just one win in seven leading into the final match of 2009.

"The players never doubted themselves. We all know we have a lot of talent in the dressing room but the results haven't been coming our way, we have been conceding unlucky goals.

"We are all technically good players but it is working hard that makes the difference and as a team we will be able to get through this period."