Eden Hazard’s 29th minute strike was enough to see Chelsea beat Swansea City, and secure a fifth win in seven league games for Jose Mourinho’s men.
The Blues remain two points off the top of the Premier League after Arsenal moved back into first place following a 3-1 win over West Ham United.
Manchester City are second, a point behind the Gunners and ahead of the Blues after a 2-1 win over Liverpool, who slip to fourth while fifth place Everton stay fifth after a shock defeat to bottom of the table Sunderland.
Chelsea now turn their attention to Sunday afternoon’s match against Liverpool, a side who they have beaten just twice in their last thirteen clashes in the league.
Ramires will miss the game through suspension after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season in the Boxing Day victory over Swansea.
Mourinho is likely to continue rotating his squad, with Cesar Azpilicueta expected to be recalled in place of Ashley Cole at left-back, while Fernando Torres could also return to the starting line-up.
This will be the first meeting between the sides since the 2-2 draw at Anfield back in April – the game where Branislav Ivanovic was bitten by Luis Suarez.