The Blues were trailing 1-0 heading into the final seven minutes of normal time after Alex Iwobi's goal midway through the first half.

Chelsea were much improved in the second period and scored a deserved equaliser in the 83rd minute through Academy graduate Tyrique George.

And in the third minute of additional time, Pedro Neto smashed in what proved to be the winner to move Chelsea back up to fifth and into the Champions League qualification places - with Nottingham Forest's game in hand coming tomorrow night against Tottenham.

Maresca said: ‘Today was an important win because first of all it's a derby, second it gives us the chance to be there [in the Champions League qualification places].

‘It was probably the most difficult win [of the season] and the reason why is because they all played yesterday, so for us it was a must-win game. And I think after we conceded the goal, that is the reason why we struggled a bit more because for the players it became more difficult and second half we were much better.’

After the final whistle there were celebratory scenes as Chelsea's players went over to our vocal fans, as Maresca conducted multiple post-match interviews with the media.

He added: ‘I was very happy, first of all because it's a nice feeling to win the game at the end but I think it was a moment for the players because they deserve to share that moment with the fans. So this is the reason why I left the pitch immediately.

‘When we scored the second one, I celebrated and this is the reason why they gave me a yellow card. But for sure I think it was a nice moment for the players and for the fans to share that moment, it's important and, I said already many times, the players need to feel the support.’

The equaliser came courtesy of a teenager who Maresca promoted into the first team permanently in December, alongside his long-time academy team-mate Josh Acheampong, having travelled on our pre-season tour to USA and trained regularly with senior squad.

George netted his first senior goal away to Legia Warsaw and he made a big contribution from the bench at Craven Cottage.

And Maresca added: ‘I’m very happy for Tyrique, him and Josh Acheampong, both from the academy, we decided to promote them because they are good talent, [and] they have to [keep] working hard.

‘Pedro's goal, we all know that Pedro is better in the right side but we also have Noni, we have also Jadon, so I try to decide game by game but Pedro is doing well since he arrived here.’