Fernando Torres, scorer of the first Chelsea goal in 2014, believes we are finding consistency in our performances at a crucial period in the season.
The Blues made it four wins out of five with an impressive 3-0 win at Southampton yesterday, and ended the Christmas and New Year period having picked up 10 points from a possible 12 after successfully overcoming some difficult fixtures.
Torres broke the deadlock at St Mary's 15 minutes into the second half, and cited an all-round improvement after the break as the decisive factor in the contest.
'We lost there last season which made us realise how difficult it would be, we knew that before the game,' said the Spaniard. 'The first half was 50-50 but in the second half we improved and got the result, so we're very happy.
After losing 3-2 at Stoke City early last month, Jose Mourinho's side have responded in fine fashion, not only winning matches but also tightening up collectively from a defensive point of view, ensuring we've conceded just two league goals since defeat against Mark Hughes's side.
Torres acknowledged the reversal in fortunes and emphasised the significance of performing well during a notoriously difficult time of the season.
'We are in a good moment and we have to keep it up,' said the Chelsea striker. 'Normally, November, December and January is the time of the season when you stay near the top or fall away.
'Last season we didn't perform in those months which made it difficult in the league, this season we are there, very close to the top and winning important games like Southampton away.
'The main thing is the work we have been doing; the manager has his style and we are adapting to what he wants us to do which takes some time.
'We have been improving, especially away from home, and you can see that in the table. It's no secret we are playing better, all the players are involved and this is the time of the year when there are a lot of games in all competitions.'
