Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez defends Fernando Torres record

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez says people who criticise Fernando Torres by using statistics "don't have any clue".

The Spanish striker, 28, extended his scoreless run to seven matches in the 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

Torres was jeered in the 2-2 draw with Southampton but started ahead of Demba Ba against the Gunners.

"These people who like to quote stats and stats, they don't have any clue about what is going on," Benitez said.

"When you have one striker for a month and a half and cannot change, it's more difficult for the striker. When you have now two strikers, you can manage.

"Fernando was doing a great job. Afterwards, Demba gave us something we didn't have before."

Ba has scored three goals since his move from Newcastle at the start of the month.

Torres has struggled since making a £50m from Liverpool almost two years ago, scoring 14 goals in 69 Premier League appearances.

Benitez believes his side were finally rewarded for their recent efforts against the Gunners.

The Blues had not won at Stamford Bridge in four games since beating Aston Villa 8-0 on 23 December.

"We have been doing well and creating chances in all our games," said Benitez, 52.

"In the games we didn't win we deserved to win. It was just a matter of time until we had a performance like this."

Chelsea dominated the first half, with a Juan Mata strike and a Frank Lampard penalty putting them 2-0 up.

Theo Walcott pulled one back for Arsenal but Chelsea held on for the three points.

"That was good for the fans to see the first half," said Benitez. "We were on top and controlling the game.

"In the second half Arsenal came pushing but we should have had the game won by half time. We should have taken more chances and we deserved even more goals."