Chelsea returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Blues shook off a poor second half performance in midweek, and put in a more measured defensive performance as they earned a clean sheet.
Head coach Enzo Maresca praised the defensive solidity of the performance, and will want his players to maintain this level throughout the season if they aim to deliver on their goals.
This is what Maresca had to say following the win:
Clean sheet key
Several question marks were placed on the quality of Chelsea's defending, after they let in three goals against a downbeat Wolves side in midweek.
Many also pointed to the Blues' disciplinary record - receiving six red cards in their last nine games - as another negative factor, and given this fixture's ferocity in the past, you wouldn't bet against them adding to the tally.
However, we saw a much improved Chelsea in this game: smart, measured defending, determined challenges, and refreshingly, no sendings off.
Maresca emphasised his delight with the performance and highlighted the importance of blending a strong attack and defence, as he said: "I'm happy with the three points. Especially because we kept the clean sheet.'
"We need that for the future. We are going to score goals but we need to do better defensively."
The result was a product of relentless pressing, working hard to win the ball back as quickly as possible, and Maresca recognised this:
"I think the performance was very good, on and off the ball.'
"The way we pressed was very important. You need that if you want to be close to the top. You always need goals but you also need to concede less goals."
Caicedo 'best in the world' - Maresca
In games as important as this one, you need your star quality to show up and perform - which is exactly what Moises Caicedo did.
The midfielder was perhaps more advanced than usual, setting up on the halfway line and progressing forward to make interceptions, winning the ball back for his team high up the pitch.
This intensity led to Chelsea's opener, and he picked up yet another goal contribution for his efforts.
On Caicedo's performance, Maresca said: "Moi is showing how good he is. He's top.'
"The best thing for him, he's humble, such a good guy and is there to help everyone. Him and Rodri are the best defensive midfielders in the world."
Caicedo set up the goal for Joao Pedro, who found the net after a lengthy goal drought for the Blues.
He has featured regularly in the starting lineup as a result of Liam Delap's long term injury, and has also been called up on several occasions for international duty.
According to Maresca, this has been the reason for his quiet patch of form, as he said: "Joao has never been a problem. The problem with Joao is that he's not training every day because of the problems he has.'
"We have Liam back now and we have more options. We have been without Cole and two months without Liam. We need offensive players."
'Reece James, he's one of our own'
Alongside Caicedo was Reece James: an unused substitute in midweek, but back in the squad for the derby.
Maresca opted to play his skipper in midfield, with Malo Gusto taking up the right-back position on the team sheet.
From this position James could dictate the play a lot more, and he served as the catalyst behind several of Chelsea's attacks.
He was adept at man-marking Tottenham and got stuck into the nitty-gritty of the midfield battle - taking a heavy challenge by Bentancur which he saw clearly as a red card offence.
Maresca explained his decision making behind placing Reece in the midfield, stating: "I think today we needed a little bit more physicality in the middle.'
"We expected them to play with Sarr, Palhinha and Bentancur. It depends a little bit on the game plan.'
"Reece is doing fantastic in midfield and full-back, and in terms of leadership in the changing room."
(Quotes via Bobby Vincent / Football London)