Liverpool and Arsenal defeats sparked Chelsea surge

Premier League leaders Chelsea’s storming 11-game winning run was forged in their back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Arsenal, according to manager Antonio Conte.

Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday equalled the club record for successive league victories, set over two seasons in 2009, and left them seven points clear at the top of the table ahead of Monday’s meeting between Liverpool and Everton.

Immediately prior to the run, Chelsea lost 2-1 at home to Liverpool and then fell 3-0 at Arsenal, and Conte believes those results sparked a change in attitude.

“After the defeat against Liverpool, and also against Arsenal, it changed something in me, in the players, in the club,” the Italian said.

Chelsea’s Diego Costa (right) celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Crystal Palace.