Jorrel Hato said Chelsea players collectively understood that they had to improve defensively, and the hard work finally paid off in Saturday’s win over Everton.

While Pedro Neto’s second-half brace secured Chelsea's first-ever win at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the team’s strong display was arguably just as important.

Neto gave Chelsea the lead early in the second half, but his second goal only arrived in stoppage time. For most of the half, Chelsea were in a position where they had to keep their first league clean sheet of the season, ending the 22-game run without one, if they were to pick up three points.

They did, and Neto’s second goal was the cherry on top. The 2-0 win also put Chelsea in the top four of the Premier League table.

Hato, who started at left wing-back, replacing the injured Pep Chavarria, emphasised the importance of the team’s first league clean sheet under Alonso.

“That was one of our goals,” The Netherlands international told Chelsea’s in-house media when asked about the long-awaited league clean sheet.

“Of course, we score a lot of goals; everyone knows this, but now we finally have our own clean sheet, and, as a team, it’s good.

“We didn’t give away many chances, or big chances, so that’s solid, and we keep going. Now we have to go forward with it and keep as many clean sheets as we can.”

Having conceded 12 goals in five league games before the international break, Chelsea allowed just one in their last two matches.

The improvement is evident, and according to Hato, there was collective understanding in the squad about the defensive situation.

“When we came back from the international break, everyone knew that we have a good team and we score a lot of goals,” the left-back explained.

“But defensively, it had to do better. We had to do it, and I think we showed it against Bournemouth and again against Everton.”

The Blues will hope to repeat their defensive performance next week in the home derby against Tottenham Hotspur. It will then be followed by back-to-back big matches against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup in midweek and Manchester United in a home league fixture the following weekend.

It is unclear whether Chavarria, who picked up an injury in training, will be back for the Spurs derby, so Hato is likely to keep his spot in the starting XI.

Hato has so far made six appearances for Chelsea across all competitions this season, five of which were as a starter in the Premier League.

These two’s versatility, in addition to Josh Acheampong’s, has given Alonso the tactical flexibility to play in a back-four shape mid-game.

Since both Hato and Chavarria are naturally left-backs, they can seamlessly slot into a back four, allowing Pedro Neto, who usually starts at right wing-back, to join the attack as a right winger if needed.

Hato can even operate as a left centre-back, which has proved handy on several occasions.

Chelsea now look to maintain their momentum, and Hato seems to be excited about the role he may play in the next few games.

“There are a lot of games coming, and great games to play as well, so we have to keep going,” he added.