Midfielder Nemanja Matic believes Chelsea's poor start is behind them

22 September 2015 16:16

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic is confident the Blues' shaky start to the season is over.

Three defeats from their opening five matches left Chelsea on the edge of the relegation zone in the Barclays Premier League but back-to-back wins over Maccabi Tel Aviv and Arsenal have steadied the ship.

Jose Mourinho's side begin the defence of their Capital One Cup crown when they travel to Walsall on Wednesday and Matic believes Saturday's victory over the Gunners has transformed the mood in the camp.

"The game was important to win to get some more confidence - I can say for myself I'm feeling better, when you win the feeling is always better," Matic told chelseafc.com.

"We looked better on the pitch. Maybe mentally we are stronger. We had more pressure than normal before the game because we only had four points.

"We recognised the situation. It was time to win. We played like one on the pitch and we fought for every ball. This is just the beginning."

Walsall have enjoyed a strong start to the season in League One, where they sit second in the table after losing only one of their eight games so far.

Mourinho is likely to field a weakened side against the Saddlers, with a visit to Newcastle to come on Saturday before another trip to Porto three days later in the Champions League.

"In two games we have scored six and not conceded. It's important for confidence and team spirit, and now we have to continue in this way," Matic said.

"We have games every three days and I think our team is ready for that. It's going to be interesting. We will see what we can do.

"I am sure we can win all the games. We have quality for that and every game you play for Chelsea you have to want to win."

Diego Costa is set to miss the tie against Walsall after the striker was charged with violent conduct for his altercation with Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny at Stamford Bridge.

Thibaut Courtois remains absent with a knee problem while Willian has a muscle injury and is also out.

Source: PA