Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insisted they deserved the three points after victory at Stoke City.

It needed a goal from Florent Malouda in stoppage time to extend the club's 100% record under the Italian to five matches.

Stoke had taken the lead through skipper Abdoulaye Faye in the 32nd minute with a towering header after Glenn Whelan had delivered the cross.

Didier Drogba equalised in first half injury time with his fourth goal of the season after shrugging off Faye following a superb through ball from Frank Lampard.

It was then all hands to the pump for Stoke until Malouda struck late on to cement Chelsea's place at the top of the table.

Ancelotti said: "We got what we deserved because we tried to attack all the time. I am very happy because it was a difficult game.

"We maintained good control throughout the match and that was important. We applied a lot of pressure and were rewarded for our play.

"We know all about Stoke and were not surprised by the way they play. We were ready for a physical match and knew how to deal with the long ball.

"A victory is always welcome and this is a very important period for us as we now have the Champions League ahead.

"To be top of the league is very important. We have good confidence in our play and a very good atmosphere in the dressing room.

"We are doing very well and want to continue in this good position for as long as we can. We have a very good squad."