Apr 08, 2013 12:34 AM EDT
Chelsea vs Sunderland Results: Rafa Benitez Takes a Swipe at Critics, Pleased with Side's Second-Half Response

Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez took a dig at his critics after the Blues went into third in the English Premier League following their 2-1 win over Sunderland.

The Black Cats, playing their first game under new manager Paolo Di Canio, took the lead via an own goal from Cesar Azpilicueta only for Sunderland to return the favor with a Matthew Kilgallon own goal.

Bransilav Ivanovic then deflected an effort from David Luiz to net the winner in the 55th minute, much to the relief of the Stamford Bridge faithful.

The three points means Chelsea are now third on 58 points, the same as fourth-placed Tottenham who could only draw against Everton. Arsenal are two points behind in fifth, with Everton a further four points adrift.

"Two or three days before it was a crisis, two hours before the game it was the end of the world," Benitez told Sky Sports. "Now we are in the top three again.

"The media, you are too quick, too fast, everything is going too fast. We have to settle down and analyse things and have more relaxation when you do your analysis."

Benitez was pleased with his side's response in the second half, after going a goal down late in the first.

"I was really pleased with the team," he added. "We didn't start well and gave the ball away easily. We conceded a late goal but had a good reaction in the second half and were very positive.

"Fernando (Torres) made an impact quickly and we were on top of them, scored two goals and had control of the game.

"We didn't score the third, we had to defend and after playing four games in eight days I am really pleased. The most important thing was to get the result and we did it.

"We're trying to play well, you'll win more games, but sometimes you cannot. The other team was organised and we didn't start well.

"The most important thing was we showed character and determination in the second half, and scored two goals."

Benitez believes the race for the Champions League spots will go right down to the last game. "I don't think it will be possible (for the race to finish early). Totenham and Arsenal are pushing, and Everton, so we have to carry on until the end," Benitez said.

"Hopefully we can do well next week in the cup competitions and after against Fulham and Liverpool. We can't say it will be done because they will be pushing too.

"It's important to have everyone sticking together and pushing in the same direction. It's very simple and very clear."

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