Chelsea’s new-found defensive stability pleases André Villas-Boas

André Villas-Boas's side advanced into the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday Photo: The Sport Review

André Villas-Boas has admitted his delight at Chelsea’s new-found defensive stability after the Blues’ 1-0 FA Cup win over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

Juan Mata’s controversial penalty settled the fourth-round tie at Loftus Road after Daniel Sturridge was adjudged to have been brought down by Clint Hill in the second half.

Chelsea have only conceded one goal in five games since the turn of the year, and Villas-Boas admits his side are more “organised” at the back than earlier in the season.

“It was a good solid display defensively,” Villas-Boas said after Saturday’s game. “This January we have shown we have organised ourselves a little better in defence, not conceding so many goals, and it is repaying us. We look more organised and solid and when we scored we managed to hang on to the match.

“Individually John had an excellent performance and was very focused, he managed to get the off-field events out of his mind and concentrate fully on his job.

“There was a tendency from the players to focus only on the game. To be fair, the QPR players were also outstanding on that commitment. Emotions were kept low and both teams set out to play football and it worked as a spectacle.”

On Chelsea’s position in the Premier League table before their midweek trip to Swansea City, Villas-Boas added: “We are within a five-point margin from the third-placed team and five points more than Arsenal in fifth.

“It’s important to try and reach the top and go to Swansea fully motivated. They lost to Sunderland but are on a good run, plus they are one of the teams that play fantastic football.

“It should build up to an exciting game, and it’s important for us to show consistency in the away games but do better than Norwich.”