Chelsea equalled a club record 11 straight wins with a London derby victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The irresistible Diego Costa headed the Blues winner just before the interval when he directed Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross beyond Wayne Hennessey.

Antonio Conte’s side dominated the second 45 and had several chances, the closest came when Marcos Alonso struck the bar with a free-kick, but couldn’t add to Costa’s opener.

The west London outfit closed the game out with relative ease as the home side began to run out of ideas and cemented their place at the top of the table.

But just how did the Blues go nine points clear at the summit? We take a look at what Chelsea did to gain all three points today.

Heading to a title: Diego Costa of Chelsea (R) scores

Palace had their moments

Like all title contenders, or favourites as they should justifiably be labelled, they are both ruthless and clinical. Despite going in at the break one goal up, it was the home side who perhaps edged the first-half but weren’t efficient enough with the ball.

Clinical Chelsea

Chelsea’s half-time stats read shots – one, on target – one, goals – one.

Much like the Chelsea under, dare we say, Jose Mourinho in the glory days. Conte’s Chelsea undoubtedly possess more flair but like all champion sides proved they have it in their arsenal to win in a multitude of different ways.

Crunch! Victor Moses (L) fouls Jason Puncheon

This 3-4-3 lark works a treat, eh?

The foundation of their success in recent months has been their formation, much talked about, but the defensive solidity it gives them is phenomenal. Only Christian Eriksen has scored for an opposing team in the last 11 fixtures (Gary Cahill put through his own net at Manchester City).

Presented as a 3-4-3, Conte’s tactical genius allows the team flexibility of positional movement when with or without the ball.

When in defence Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses tuck in to create a back five with three centre-halves.

Combined with the defensively minded brain of Nemanja Matic and the ground covered by N’Golo Kante means Chelsea’s holding two fill the spaces their opposing wish to occupy.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: David Luiz of Chelsea (L) and James McArthur of Crystal Palace (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on December 17, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Defence is the best form of attack

Their defensive record is testament to the changes made at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea look more defensively astute than they have since the record breaking season of 2004/05 when they conceded just 15 goals.

The attacking flair of Costa, Hazard and company give Chelsea the perfect balance and right now no side looks capable of halting the blue freight train, currently destined for a fifth Premier League title.