That made it five wins on the trot, stretched our unbeaten run to 13 matches in the Premier League and moved us eight points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea.
Now we face a Stoke side fighting for their lives, second from bottom and without a win in nine.
“It was a great victory at Chelsea but it’s always important to be ready to compete again,” said Mauricio.
“The team is so focused and must be because it will be a very tough game at Stoke.
“They are playing to survive and need the points and we need to match that motivation and have the same hunger to achieve the three points.