The Blues stepped out at Stamford Bridge for the final time this season on Tuesday evening, when we hosted Tottenham Hotspur in a massive London derby in the Premier League.

Coming hot on the heels of the FA Cup final, it was a quick turnaround for the players, against a team which had enjoyed a weekend off to prepare. However, we triumphed 2-1 in a hard-fought game, with Enzo Fernandez firing us into the lead before teeing up Andrey Santos for the second.

Although Bournemouth’s draw with Manchester City earlier in the evening ended our chances of reaching the UEFA Champions League places, our win keeps us firmly in the fight for European qualification going into the last round of games, as well as leaving rivals Spurs in danger of relegation.

‘We only had 48 hours to prepare for the game, so it was difficult, especially after a final like that when we had the chance to win a trophy,’ reflected Sanchez.

‘But we needed to change our mentality and go again, because we knew if we got three points, then at the weekend we’ve still got a chance to qualify for Europe. So we did that, we trained well and the boys came and performed.

‘We knew Spurs were going to come with a lot of energy. Obviously, they're fighting for their lives, so we had to try to match that energy for the 90 minutes.

‘I think the boys did that. They stayed composed when they had to under the pressure and we took our chances. Obviously after we conceded the goal everything changed a little but, they got a little energy boost, but we managed that well and we got the win.

‘It's a big derby, it was the last game of the season at home, so I'm very happy we got the win for the fans and for ourselves. Giving them a win was everything we wanted.’

The victory came in our first match since the announcement that Xabi Alonso will join Chelsea as manager for next season, with Sanchez also sharing his excitement at the chance to work with the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss.

‘I'm very happy, same as the rest of the boys,’ added our goalkeeper. ‘With Alonso we're going to get some stability in the squad. He's a top manager, he plays great football.

‘To be honest, we’ll concentrate on training, still on this season, to try to get three more points in the next game, but we're looking forward already for next season training with him.

‘Obviously, I don't know him personally, but from what I've seen football-wise and from what I hear of him and his staff, they look like top people and a top manager. So again we're delighted with him and we can't wait to start next season.’

With the arrival of his fellow Spaniard in mind, Sanchez underlined the team’s determination to secure another three points when we travel to Sunderland on the last day of the Premier League campaign, and ensure our new manager will have European football to look forward to next season.

‘It's massive,’ he concluded. ‘That's why the win yesterday was huge. Now we need to go to Sunderland, another difficult game, and try to beat them, because we’ve still got the chance to get there.’