Guus Hiddink: 'Chelsea v Man City will be like a Cup final'

Boss Guus Hiddink put Chelsea on red alert for a glory-laden run to the end of the season. 

The Blues face a tough home tie with Manchester City in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup following an emphatic 5-1 away win at Championship side MK Dons.

But Hiddink reckons Chelsea can win through – and success against Paris St-Germain in the knockout stage of the Champions League next month could further rebuild confidence after Chelsea's catastrophic defence of their Premier League title.

A delighted Hiddink reflected on an unbeaten nine-game run and said: "Manchester City. The Final, already a Final. City is a huge game and we start the final in the next next round."

There was a definite smile on Hiddink's face as he looked forward to intense competition over the next few weeks. 

Diego Costa presents the matchball to hat-trick hero Oscar

At long last confidence is oozing out of Stamford Bridge – as MK Dons discovered when Oscar blasted them with a first half hat-trick.

Hiddink reflected the new mood when he said: "I like the commitment of the team and it was a very good performance.

"The players are responding very well. It was important got some results, draws to begin with, and we are going after victories. 

"There is quality in the team and the will, the discipline and the tactical work we demand  as a team in terms of defensively minded work is working is all benefiting the team."

Eden Hazard celebrates his first goal of the season

Not to mention Chelsea's attacking aplomb.

Hiddink was thrilled with Oscar's treble and to see Eden Hazard bag his first goal of the season, albeit from the penalty spot. 

"We must not just depend on Diego Costa," he said. "Others must take their turn, which they can. We emphasised this in training where players they have to penetrate. We don't just want Costa.

"It was OK for Hazard because he has had a difficult time with injuries. The team gave Hazard the penalty and it was good for him to score. He needs the rhythm of these games." 

New loan signing Alexandre Pato trained on Sunday morning before being ferried up the M1 to see exactly what sort of team he is joining from Corinthians. 

Hiddink said: "Pato had a practice session with us and I want him to integrate as much as possible. We'll work on his physical condition and form, and build him up as soon as possible. 

MK Dons boss Karl Robinson was disappointed by some of his players' performances

"I want to keep my eye on him because he was in pre-season and I don't want to force him." 

Disappointed MK Dons manager Karl Robinson paid tribute to Hiddink's team. "Chelsea were outstanding. All week we talked about them turning the corner and it looks like they have," he said.

"There was a gulf in class: their work effort, their pressing was class. You go toe-to-toe and want to be beat them but on reflection they were outstanding.

"I want to use this an experience, a learning curve, The best players have the ability to tear you apart and they did so with ease.

"Some of my players let themselves down a little bit. But it was important for us to learn one or two things. My players will come out of this better players if they learn from it."