Petr Cech admits Chelsea must still rely on a Manchester United meltdown if they are to stand any chance of retaining the Premier League title.
The Blues kept their slim hopes of overhauling United alive with a 2-1 at Stamford Bridge that moves them 12 points behind the leaders with a game in hand.
Cech told his personal website: "It is a very important win and it was our only hope of retaining at least some chance of winning the title.
"There are still 33 points in play, so it may happen. But it all depends on Manchester and whether they will feel the effects of this defeat.
"They still have it in their own hands and 12 points is a good lead. We have to keep winning.
"We have just made the first step but we are satisfied with the result and with the fact that we have moved into fourth and are just two points behind Manchester City."
The chasm that remains between Chelsea and United did not prevent Cech and his team-mates celebrating Tuesday night's victory.
He said: "We were in a terrific mood. After all, beating Manchester United always makes one happy.
"They are our traditional rivals in the title race and the win is very valuable."
Chelsea play United again in May and Cech added: "We are yet to play at Old Trafford and if we could succeed there, it would take us even closer to United."
