When Chelsea moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday, as goalscorer Diego Costa was labelled the hero. However, the victory was secured with yet another fantastic defensive display by the Blues.
The game saw Antonio Conte’s side record a ninth clean sheet in their last 11 outings, all have which have resulted in victories. The Blues backline has swept aside doubts over their ability and forged a very solid unit.
Brazilian international centre-back David Luiz has been highly impressive, despite eyebrows raised by his return to the club from PSG late in the summer transfer window. During his first stint at the club, Luiz was considered rash and a player who took unnecessary risks at times by some.
However, Luiz seems to have matured in his few years in Paris. The centre-back seems like a more level-headed individual than the player that graced the club in his first spell at Stamford Bridge. In many ways, he is the key to that Chelsea defensive solidity.
Another player who has impressed for the Blues in defence is Spanish star Cesar Azpilicueta. The former Marseille star has impressed at centre-back, despite spending the majority of his career playing as a full-back.
The 27-year-old has been one of the Blues unsung heroes at times this season. He continues to produce stellar performance in that unfamiliar position.
England centre-back Gary Cahill has come in for criticism at times during his Blues career. However, the experienced former Aston Villa star also deserves credit for the Blues defensive record, as he is now keeping things simple.
The likes of Diego Costa and Eden Hazard may get all the attention for scoring the goals. However, it may just be at the other end of the pitch that the Premier League title is won by Chelsea.