Jose Mourinho hails Willian's work rate with match-winner shining example to Chelsea under-performers 

• e-mail

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has praised Willian after the Brazilian's impressive display during their 2-1 win over Dynamo Kiev at Stamford Bridge.

The Brazilian came to the rescue for the hosts on Wednesday night by scoring a magnificent late free-kick to clinch victory in their Group G encounter.

Willian was also the instigator in their opening goal as it was his cross that forced Aleksandar Dragovic to head into his own net on 34 minutes.

Willian celebrates after scoring a stunning free-kick to give Chelsea a 2-1 win over Dynamo Kiev

The 27-year-old (centre) fired home on 83 minutes to give the Blues victory on Wednesday night

Jose Mourinho (right) shakes Willian's hand after the midfielder is taken off in injury time at Stamford Bridge

The win was Chelsea's first in all competitions since October 17 - when they overame Aston Villa 2-0 in the Premier League.

And speaking post-match Mourinho was quick to highlight the role of the 27-year-old in Wednesday night's triumph.

'Willian has been playing very well for a long time - not just today,' Mourinho told BT Sport.

'Many of the players are coming to their normal levels in spite of the negative moments as a team. But today I think we were prepared for the negative moments because they are coming every match.

'Today we had a reaction - I had a very good bench with options that the team trust very much. With 15 minutes to go, bringing [Eden] Hazard and Pedro into the game made the team feel confident as they are two players capable of turning things around. 

'I think everybody did their job very well. It's difficult for me to forget some fantastic individual performances but I think It’s fair to look to Willian with different eyes due to his work rate, quality on the ball and obviously his participation in the first goal and a phenomenal second goal.'

Dyanmo defender Aleksandar Dragovic (right) inadvertently heads in Willian's cross to give Chelsea the lead

Willian (right) is congratulated by his Chelsea team-mates for his role in their opening goal on 34 minutes