.jpg)
David
Luiz says being top of the Premier League only matters if Chelsea finish
there at the end of the season.
Antonio Conte's side beat Middlesbrough 1-0 at the Riverside on Sunday -
their sixth straight league win - to move above Liverpool and Manchester
City at the top of the table.
However, the Brazilian is adamant that nothing has been decided yet and says
the Blues cannot afford to drop their intensity if they are to regain the
Premier League title.
"It's important to finish at the top of the league. Of course we are happy,
but it's too early to speak about that," Luiz told Chelsea TV.
"It's important in the last game to finish at the top of the league. That's
our goal."
Diego Costa's first-half strike ultimately secured the points against
Middlesbrough but it is Chelsea's defence which has provided the foundation
for their recent push, with the weekend's clean sheet their sixth in
succession in the league.
They have not conceded a Premier League goal since Mesut Ozil put Arsenal
3-0 up at the Emirates on September 24 - a run of 590 minutes - and that is
a stat Luiz is satisfied with.
"We are happy. We are doing an amazing job, but we need to keep our feet on
the floor with humility because every game is a tough game," he said.
"It's a tough game when you play here [Middlesbrough], everyone knows, so we
are happy because we did a great job, especially on the defensive side.
"It's a good three points and the first time this season we are top of the
league. But we need to understand it's just the beginning."
Luiz has prospered since his £30m summer return to Stamford Bridge from
Paris Saint-Germain, lining up in the middle of a three-man defence.
Asked about his new role, he said: "I just try to do my best, it doesn't
matter which position I play. I think everybody understood about this
philosophy - that's why we are doing well.
"The spirit is amazing and when you have this team spirit, this makes the
difference. I am happy to play for this team and I am happy to be part of
this family."
top