Chelsea defender John Terry has highlighted the importance of his side’s 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday in order to stay with the English Premier League title contenders.

A hat-trick from Samuel Eto’o handed the Blues the victory which saw them up to third on the league table on 49 points, one adrift of second placed Manchester City and two off of the league leaders Arsenal.

Terry admits that at times in the past they have struggled against United, but it was a superior performance by Chelsea on Sunday that sees them staying within touching distance of the pace-setters.

“At times we have struggled over the years and Man United have come here and really given us a bit of a pasting,” said Terry.

“They're not playing the greatest at the moment and it was important we did the same to them today.

“I think the result shows we're pushing and trying to keep with Arsenal and Man City.

“As the manager (Jose Mourinho) said, the other two are looking very strong at the moment and it's important we are keeping within touching distance with them.

“The last two weeks have been important because we have worked on different defensive work. We are looking much more of a unit now and together.

“It's very interesting. Man City and Arsenal are looking very good. It was an important game for us today because Man United are still a very good side, but we won and kept very close to them as we have got a couple of big games coming up and we have to stay within touching distance.”