Antonio Conte has congratulated his Chelsea stars for equalling Arsenal's all-time Premier League record of 13 consecutive wins following their 4-2 victory over Stoke City.
The Blues were made to work hard to continue their sensational run of form as the visitors pushed them all the way until Diego Costa's 84th minute goal secured all three points for the hosts and, with it, a place alongside their London rivals as the only other Premier League to register 13 wins in a row.
Gary Cahill's first-half opener was cancelled out just 45 seconds after the interval by fellow defender Bruno Martins Indi, before Willian fired Chelsea back in front.
Peter Crouch then levelled proceedings once more with his first goal for 21 matches for the Potters, but Willian once again handed the Blues the advantage as he struck one minute after Crouch's equaliser.
Costa then buried a shot from an acute angle to make sure of the win for the table topping Londoners.
The result moved Chelsea nine points clear of second-placed Liverpool ahead of their crunch clash against Manchester City and, speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Conte revelled in his side's dominance of England's top flight at the halfway point of the 2016/17 campaign.
He said: "Congratulations go to my players. To win 13 games in a row in this league is very difficult. Stoke played very well. They hit long balls to Crouch and fought for the second ball. My players showed they can adapt to the different kinds of game we face. They showed great commitment, work-rate and will to win. I'm delighted for them.
"Now, it's important to celebrate the arrival of the new year, then to think of the next game against Tottenham. Numbers are not important if you do not win the title. Now, they are fantastic and we are proud, but we must concentrate on the second part of the season."
Chelsea are next in action when they make the trip to White Hart Lane on Wednesday for a London derby with fellow title chasers Tottenham Hotspur.
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