The Blues have now gone three games without a win in the Premier League, as Sunday’s narrow defeat at leaders Arsenal followed back-to-back draws against Leeds United and Burnley.

That leaves us with work to do to catch up in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification, and an opportunity to close the gap arrives this week as we travel to fourth-placed Aston Villa, who are currently six points above us.

‘It’s a big one, of course,’ said Hato. ‘Aston Villa are in the top four and if we win we get closer, but I think every game for us is important now until the end of the season

'We go into it with the mindset to win every game, whether it’s Aston Villa or a different team.

‘Since the new manager came, we won a lot of games in the league, now we’ve dropped some points and that’s a little disappointing. But I think we can still achieve a lot this season.’

Hato had to remain patient as he adjusted to English football following his move to Chelsea from Ajax at the start of this season.

However, he has now featured in our last nine Premier League games, including starting the weekend’s London derby at the Emirates Stadium.

The Dutch defender remains focused on continuing to improve and adapt to his new surroundings, to help him and the team achieve their goals in his debut campaign with the Blues.

‘I came here this season, it was a big step to the Premier League from the Dutch league,’ continued the 19-year-old. ‘I’m not playing every game, but I know I’m improving every day to get the minutes that I want.

‘So I know I have to improve for myself as well, to get more minutes, but I try to improve every day, in every training session, in every game. So I’m happy.’

Hato will no doubt be even happier if we return to west London with all three points when we meet Aston Villa in Birmingham at 7.30pm on Wednesday.