Cole Palmer was the Blues' standout performer once again. He struck a first-half hat-trick to put us in control before Nicolas Jackson added a fourth before the interval.

Palmer struck our fifth – and his fourth – in the second period from the penalty spot before Academy graduate and boyhood Chelsea Alfie Gilchrist came off the bench to net his first senior goal.

Pochettino was understandably pleased with his side's display, especially as the Blues also kept a clean sheet for the first time since the end of January.

‘An amazing performance,' said Pochettino after the victory. 'I’m so happy and full credit to the players. The perfect game, I think. We scored six and kept a clean sheet – a dream come true!

‘It [the clean sheet] is so important against a team that produces a lot and is very dangerous in offensive situations and set-pieces. Today the team was fantastic. We showed good spirit from the beginning which makes us very pleased.’

Palmer's four-goal haul took his tally for the Premier League season to 20; he is now level with Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.

'The impact on the team was amazing from day one,' said Pochettino. 'We always expect the best with everyone we sign, so it has not surprised us. He was always the player with the capacity to score goals, even in Manchester City.

'But the way he adapted himself and the way he is playing and performing is fantastic. It is amazing for the team, amazing for him, and shows that the club made the right decision by signing him.'

Pochettino also made clear his view on the disagreement which took place after we were awarded our second-half penalty that was converted by Palmer.

‘To make it clear, the players and staff know that the taker on penalties is Cole Palmer. All that happened after is a shame.

'We were talking in the dressing room about the image we send in every single country and we cannot show this type of image.

'I want to apologise to our fans. The discipline is the most important thing.'