Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has heaped praise on his players after the Blues recorded their 11th consecutive league win by beating Crystal Palace on Saturday, which currently sees themnine points clear at the top.
Diego Costa's header, two minutes before half-time, proved to be the winner, as Chelsea held on and in truth, could have extended their lead even further. Victory at Selhurst Park means that the current Blues side have equalled a club record for consecutive wins and are now only three away from matching the Premier League record of 14.
FULL TIME: CRYSTAL PALACE 0-1 CHELSEA #CRYCHE pic.twitter.com/DC5Wd1dIlB
Speaking after the match, a delighted Antonio Conte lavished praise on his players but admitted that it would be tough to maintain their winning run.
The Italian told the clubwebsite: "Today, if you arrive here without the right concentration, the right focus, the will to fight and go into battle with the opponent, you lose this game.
"Instead, we have great quality, and the players are putting this quality in the team. This is the real secret for Chelsea now.
"We are working a lot to reach this level in the table. To win 11 games in a row in this league is not simple, now and in the future. I hope to continue this way but I know every game is tough. The next game against Bournemouth will be very tough, and then Stoke City.
"The most important thing is the mentality, a strong mentality. At work during the week - tactical work, physical work, technical work, analysis work, good food “ we touched different aspects to try to improve.
2-0, 3-0, 4-0, 2-0, 5-0, 1-0, 2-1, 3-1, 1-0, 1-0, 1-0.
11 wins in a row.
25 goals scored.
2 conceded.
Top of the League.
"You can bring your idea of football but if you haven't the players who follow this idea it's very difficult for a manager."
Conte then went on to admit that he was happy to have matched the club record for consecutive wins, although he warned his players that they must continue to improve and stay focused.
11 “ Chelsea have now equalled their all-time top-flight club record run of 11 consecutive wins; also set in September 2009. Momentum.
He added:"If I don't say I am pleased for this record I am dishonest. I am not a person who loves stats, but it's my first season in England and to win 14 games out of 17 is fantastic.
"I like to see the present but I look more to see the future, and I want the future to be special for us. The only way for this is to work.
"We have room to improve. We are working on our principles. This season I tried to play with different formations. Now we found a good balance offensively and defensively."