Chelsea will sit on top of the tree at Christmas having won their last 11 Premier League matches.

Antonio Conte’s men beat Crystal Palace 1-0 last weekend to go nine points clear at the top of the pile, although Manchester City’s victory over Arsenal reduced that gap to seven.

Nonetheless, the Blues look like the side to beat this season, having got the better of Manchester United, Tottenham, and Manchester City in their recent run since they switched to a back three.

At the start of this run, they were eighth and eight points behind leaders City, but now have some breathing space at the top of the pile.

Three successive 1-0 wins in their last three matches have also outlined their title credentials, as they arguably haven’t played as well in those games, but still picked up nine points out of nine.

Conte’s men host Bournemouth on Boxing Day and then Stoke on New Year’s Eve as they look to nail down their advantage at the top, before a potentially tricky trip to White Hart Lane in their first match of 2017 on January 4.

In what has been a topsy-turvy year for Chelsea, given they finished last season in tenth place in the Premier League, we thought we’d take a look back at their better moments, and have selected their top THREE goals of 2016…

Eden Hazard vs Tottenham (May 2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqLaW3RN_QY

After what was a disappointing season for Eden Hazard, he started to find his form at the rear end of last season, which was capped off by a sensational goal against Tottenham.

The Belgian international started the move from just inside his own half, and motored towards the Spurs goal, before laying it off to Diego Costa.

However, Hazard kept his run going and received the ball from his teammate, and fired first time past the despairing Hugo Lloris in the Spurs goal.

It was also a special goal for Leicester fans, as the equaliser and subsequent draw meant that they were Premier League champions for the first time in their history.

Eden Hazard vs Everton (November 5)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpSTm__us6E

Chelsea have been breathtakingly good at times this season, and this was none more so evident than when they thumped Everton 5-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Eden Hazard ran the show for the hosts in the victory, but it was his second, and the Blues’ fourth, that was particularly special.

It comprised of a 23-pass move, involving most of the Chelsea team, before Hazard set off down the right with a quick pass to Pedro.

The Spaniard then immediately back heeled it into the open space for Hazard to latch on to, and then he raced towards goal, cutting inside onto his left foot before slotting home past Maarten Stekelenburg.

It was an outstanding goal from a world class player.

Pedro vs Tottenham (November 26)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QajUnFoP__A

Chelsea were struggling for long periods of the first half against Tottenham a few weeks ago, and looked set to go in at half time behind to Christian Eriksen’s fine strike.

However, the in-form Pedro had something to say about that.

The 29-year-old picked the ball up from Nemanja Matic with his back to goal just outside the box, before a beautiful touch back onto his right foot allowed him to brilliantly slot home past the helpless Hugo Lloris.

Pedro made just enough room for himself to get the shot off, and he produced something very special when Chelsea needed it most.

Conte’s men went on to win the game in the second half, with Pedro’s moment of brilliance the catalyst for an improved display from the league leaders.