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Chelsea’s David Luiz says being top of the table only matters on the final day

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: David Luiz of Chelsea (C) celebrates after his team mate Diego Costa of Chelsea scores their sides second goal during th
Image: David Luiz says top spot in the Premier League will only matter to Chelsea if they finish the campaign there

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.

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FT Middlesbrough 0 - 1 Chelsea

"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.

Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates scoring the opening goal with David Luiz
Image: Diego Costa celebrates scoring Chelsea's winner with Luiz

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.

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"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.

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Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte praises striker Diego Costa after his match-winning performance against Middlesbrough

"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.

David Luiz shows his appreciation to the fans prior to kick off
Image: Luiz has impressed in Chelsea's 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."

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