A Cesc Fabregas’ first-half goal beat a stubborn Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and ensured Chelsea stay at the top of the English Premier League.
The Sunderland win brings Chelsea’s win tally to 10 consecutive games; a laudable achievement for both coach and team.
Chelsea will approach Christmas and the New Year knowing they are poised to win the league this season unless something different happens next year.
Fabregas steered into the far corner from the edge of the box as the Blues recorded a 10th consecutive league victory.
Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford saved from former Black Cat Marcos Alonso and Willian to prevent Chelsea from winning by a bigger margin.
The hosts, who had set up to try to nullify their opponent’s attacking strength, had few chances although they could have snatched a point in injury time but Thibaut Courtois superbly denied Patrick van Aanholt.
It was a hard-fought and important win for Chelsea after second-place Arsenal slipped up against Everton on Tuesday.