Di Matteo glad he played Terry as Blues stay top

LONDON (AFP) - Roberto di Matteo admitted he considered omitting John Terry from Premier League leaders Chelsea's 2-1 win away to London rivals Arsenal.

Terry was included in the team for Saturday's match at the Emirates Stadium just two days after he was given a four-game ban and £220,000 (S$436,000) fine by the Football Association for racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

The punishment, which related to an incident that took place during a west London derby last October, is, however, suspended pending the conclusion of an appeal process.

And di Matteo said his decision to include centre-half Terry was justified by the Chelsea captain's performance.