Chelsea defender Gary Cahill says his side picked up where they left off before the international break after claiming their sixth consecutive victory on Sunday.

The Blues secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium with Diego Costa proving to be the difference after scoring a 41st-minute goal.

The 30-year-old was impressed and is delighted that the Blues continued their form despite the international break.

‘It says confidence is up and spirit is up in the side,’ Cahill told the Chelsea website.

‘We’re playing well, we’re working hard and we’re getting the results which is the most important thing.

‘Again, we’re delighted after an international break. We almost didn’t want that to come, but we’ve carried on from where we left off. We’re working hard on the training ground and when you’re winning games it’s easier to go out there and play.’

Chelsea next take on Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League London derby on Saturday.

The match at Stamford Bridge kicks off at 19:30.