Chelsea’s Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic has played down the tag of title favourites, and has stated that the Blues have a number of difficult games to come.
Matic has refuted claims that Chelsea are title favourites, despite them being on a prolific winning run since the end of October.
“It is a long way to go,” said the Serbian according to Sky Sports,
“We are now almost halfway through the season and we still have many hard games so we are not favourites, we are just one of the teams that can now win the title.
“I am sure there are more than five teams that will try to catch us for first position. We can improve of course. How we play is very good and our confidence is high because to win 11 games in a row in the Premier League is not easy.”
As Matic stated, Chelsea won their eleventh straight match on the bounce as they edged Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park. Diego Costa continued his good run of form, scoring the all important goal that won his side all three points.
With the victory on Saturday, Antonio Conte’s side equaled a club record for unbeaten games that was set in the 2009-10 season, when Carlo Ancelotti was at the helm at Stamford Bridge, and surpassed the one set by Jose Mourinho’s team in 2005-06.
Chelsea take on Bournemouth at home on Boxing Day, and with 12 wins in a row, they could make the record their own. Regardless of the outcome of that game, the Blues are set to end the calendar year atop the Premier League table.
Matic has been a regular feature under Conte this season. The former Italy head-coach has fielded the Serbian midfielder ahead of the likes of Cesc Fabregas and the outgoing Oscar. New signing N’Golo Kante has formed an exceptional understanding with Matic in midfield, and the duo look infallible every time they take the field.
The Chelsea boss has been pleased with the way his side have played this season as well, and has praised his players for the phenomenal work-ethic that has helped them go on a fabulous winning run.