There are many reasons behind Chelsea establishing an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League as they enter the final third of the season. Antonio Conte's tactical acumen, the arrival of N'Golo Kante and David Luiz are all notable, as are individual improvements throughout the team, with the likes of Diego Costa and Eden Hazard regaining their best form. All have been significant factors behind their rise.
Equally telling, however, has been the fact that the squad has remained largely free of injuries throughout the campaign to date. Since Conte switched to a back three and settled on his first-choice XI following that defeat to Arsenal in September, he has been able to proceed with barely any disruption from external factors.