Nemanja Matic: 'Chelsea not Premier League title favourites'

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has played down suggestions that they are Premier League title favourites despite Saturday's 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace securing an 11th consecutive league win.

Diego Costa's headed goal at Selhurst Park ensured that Antonio Conte's side equalled a club-record run set in the 2009-10 season under Carlo Ancelotti and surpassed another under Jose Mourinho in 2005-06.

Chelsea are guaranteed top spot over Christmas, but Matic remains stoic about his side's title chances, telling Sky Sports News: "It is a long way to go.

"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 are very happy because of our form. 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."

Chelsea next face consecutive home games against Bournemouth and Stoke City over the festive period, followed by a trip to title rivals Tottenham Hotspur early next month.