Heading into the festive period, Jose Mourinho believes Chelsea deserve to be leading the way as the year comes to a close. The Portuguese tactician’s side have topped the table for the entirety of the season and currently maintain a three point lead over closest neigbours, Manchester City.

Ahead of the game against West Ham:

“I think Chelsea deserve to be top of the league. Chelsea deserve to be top of the league,” Mourinho said. “You know, I think both teams are different than last season. We are a better team. We have more creativity, more goals, more attacking dynamic. West Ham are also a better team. They are not a team just in this moment not to concede. They also try to score goals. After us, West Ham [deserve to be top].

He added: “Because to be fourth for a team that everybody was expecting them to fight for survival, to fight to keep the last third of the table, I think is a fantastic achievement. Really. Very good.”

An interesting statistic shows that the last three times Chelsea were top during Christmas – 2004, 2005 and 2009 – they have gone on to win the league that same season. Is anyone willing to bet against Mourinho’s side?