• Premier League

Mata: We've beaten United, now let's usurp them

Juan Mata urged Chelsea to learn from Manchester United in their bid to regain the Premier League title next season.

The Spaniard's shot, along with a deflection off Phil Jones' knee, earned Rafael Benitez's side a 1-0 win over the new champions at Old Trafford on Sunday.

But the midfielder believes United are still the role models for the Blues with their ability to churn out victories, whether or not they are in top form.

Sir Alex Ferguson's team have won 27 league games this season, seven more than Chelsea and Mata told Chelsea TV: "Always Man United are a team that win, win, win in the Premier League. Maybe sometimes they don't play really well but they win, which is the important thing.

"They have regularity. If they win it is because they deserve it. If they win the Premier League almost every year it is because they know how to play and get into the first position.

"Obviously for next season we need to improve in the Premier League. If we want to win we will have to win more games. Now we have to think about winning the Europa League and being third in the Premier League, to be in the Champions League next season."

Victory took Chelsea above Arsenal into third place and, because their goal difference is vastly better than Tottenham's, they can ensure a top-four finish with a victory against Spurs in their midweek match.

Mata added: "We now play against Tottenham on Wednesday, which is going to be a final again. But three points here is amazing because now we are in third position. If we win against Tottenham we will be in the Champions League."

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