Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was sacked to "protect the interests of the club" and owner Roman Abramovich had to act because of a "palpable discord between manager and players", technical director Michael Emenalo said.
A 64th-minute goal from wayward striker Diego Costa earned Chelsea their first win in four Premier League matches on Saturday and some breathing space for Jose Mourinho, who said he was still targeting a top-four finish.
This and more from the happenings in the world of football
This and more from the happenings in the world of football