Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic says manager Jose Mourinho was right in expecting a tough away game against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Blues had to work hard to battle past Paul Lambert's men and the Serbian believes these are the kind of points that could win Chelsea the title.
"The manager said before the game that it is going to be difficult and we have to expect that Aston Villa gives 200 per to win or take a point," Matic told the club's official website.
"And it was exactly like this.
"It was a difficult game and especially when they scored a goal. After that it was difficult for us to come back again into the game but Ivanovic scored the goal and after that it was not easy for us but easier.
"We knew that it was going to be very difficult to win and that is why we are very happy. Maybe these kind of games are going to decide the title."
Since returning from Benfica in January 2014, the 26-year-old became a pivotal man in Jose Mourinho's midfield and says his dream is to lift the Premier League crown with the Blues.
"I came to Chelsea in January and Benfica were champions at the end [of last season] and they sent me a medal so I was very happy, it is always nice when you win," he said.
"It is different when you are all season in a club and it would be special for me if we win but we have many games to the end and only seven points lead, because Manchester City are a very good team, they will fight to the end and we will see at the end.
"We are in a good way at the moment and we will try to keep like this but it is a long way to go."
