Tuesday 7 March 2017 00:18, UK
Nemanja Matic thinks the experience gained from Chelsea’s title win in 2015 could be key in the Premier League run-in.
The midfielder was a crucial performer in Jose Mourinho's title-winning team two seasons ago, where the Blues landed the title by eight points ahead of Manchester City.
Much like that triumph, Chelsea established a clear lead during the winter period this season and head into Monday night's game against West Ham - live on Sky Sports - 10 points clear of Tottenham in second.
With 12 games left in the race for the title, Matic thinks knowing how to get over the line can only help Antonio Conte's men get the job done.
"We have more experience now from that season when we were champions," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"We will try our best to win games. The experience of 2015 does help. We know to be champions you have to play every game like it's your last game and you have to give your best because you can drop any points at any time in the Premier League.
"As you can see from our last game against Swansea, we were much better and played good football but they scored from the one chance they got. It was 1-1 and it was hard until the end."
Last season's champions Leicester City are nowhere to be seen in the title race after a poor season, which led to Claudio Ranieri being sacked just nine months after securing a remarkable Premier League title.
Matic can understand the problems at the King Power having been part of the Chelsea team that defended their title miserably and ultimatley led to Mourinho being sacked.
"I know how Leicester feel," he said.
"Last season, everything was going well and this season is completely different. Also, their opponents have more motivation to show they can win against the champions - it is very hard for them. It's harder to play when you are champions."
