The Blues were 2-0 down inside 11 minutes in north London, but recovered by scoring the next four goals, eventually running out deserved 4-3 winners.

In his post-match assessment of a memorable derby success, Maresca highlighted the resilience of his team in testing circumstances.

‘It’s an important win, firstly for the way it arrived, because to come in this stadium against this team and concede two goals, and then continue with the same plan on and off the ball, shows how the players are mentally strong,’ said the head coach.

‘We are trying to work with the players on an off the pitch, but we’re also trying to work on mentality and togetherness. To come in this stadium and think you are going to win without suffering is impossible.

‘For that, probably it’s the perfect win because two goals down, it was the worst picture for us, even if we were in control. We conceded two goals from Cucu, we created chances, we controlled the game, we kept the ball. At half-time we changed something tactically, and second half we deserved to win.’

Maresca expanded on that half-time alteration…

‘There was no problem first half. The plan was working well, we were attacking and controlling the game after conceding two goals. I was very happy.

‘The only thing was watching the way they were pressing. First half we had Cole Palmer on one side, and Enzo Fernandez on the other. Second half we had Palmer on one side, and Cucurella on the other, and we changed something in behind. It was for this reason, it worked quite well and we won the game.’

Maresca reiterated the need to not think about the long-term picture…

‘After the game, my message to the players was to be focused day by day, in the next game, because if you start to think about where we are in three or four games, it’s completely wrong.

‘Enjoy the day off with the family and friends, and when we come back, go again with 100 per cent, train well, get ready for the next game and improve day by day.’