Di Matteo praises Torres

Roberto Di Matteo praised striker Fernando Torres after he assisted one and scored another in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Newcastle.

The 28-year-old combined with new-boy Eden Hazard for both goals, first having his legs swept from underneath him inside the area – with the Belgium international converting from the spot for his first for his new side.

A second came soon after when a clever reverse pass from Hazard found Torres inside the area to power home, prompting Di Matteo to hail the striker’s workrate so far this season.

“I’ve always been happy with Fernando,” Di Matteo told BBC Sport.

“His workrate is immense and when he doesn’t score he’s a provider.”

Torres himself was pleased with his recent displays for Chelsea.

The Spain international’s struggles to adapt to life at Stamford Bridge since his move in January 2011 are well documentated, with the former Liverpool talisman claiming his form is down to increased match action.

“The confidence is back because I’m playing more,” Torres said.

“It’s great to have players like Hazard here. It’s a privilege to play with Juan Mata and Hazard.”

Hazard has made six assists in his first three games for Chelsea, and Di Matteo was delighted to see the midfielder turn scorer after providing multiple chances for his team-mates.

“It’s good that he’s scored a goal because he’s helped create many for us,” Di Matteo sai.

“It’s good to see us operate as a team. The midfield and defence also did well today.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was upbeat despite the short turnaround after the Europa League match in Athens just two days before the Stamford Bridge clash.

“Having the game on Thursday and to put that performance in, bodes well,” Pardew said.

“We really had a go in the second half and we didn’t shut up shop or look to try and cover our losses and we tried to get back in it.

“We had two big chances and if one of those had gone in we might have nicked something so I am fairly positive about my team.”