Villas-Boas praises resilient Chelsea

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas praised the effort of his squad after they were forced to battle past a committed Fulham in the Carling Cup.

The game finished scoreless despite an enthralling 120 minutes at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea’s progression was sealed when Bryan Ruiz’s penalty cannoned off the underside of the bar in the shoot-out.

The hosts were on the front foot until Brazilian centre-half Alex saw red after half-time for hauling down Kerim Frei.

But Pajtim Kajami blasted the resulting spot-kick against the bar and 10-man Chelsea stoically held on for over an hour until the shootout.

And Villas-Boas was delighted with his side’s resilience.

“I’m very, very happy with the display,” Villas-Boas said.

“It was a superhuman effort. I think it’s even more gratifying because Fulham are a team that plays good football.”

“They didn’t just lump it forward when we had ten men. They played the ball in and around us in all kinds of ways.”

“To be with 10 men for 70 minutes, to hold Fulham back and to still create the most opportunities and the best chances is something that is out of this world.”

“I’m very happy with the display commitment-wise, effort-wise and concentration-wise.”

“For me it was difficult no doubt. It was very gratifying for managers, players and staff.”