Phil Thompson has labelled Chelsea's defence as the key to their Premier League title pursuit.

Antonio Conte's 3-4-3 formation has seen the Blues go on a seven-game winning streak which has them perched at the top of the Premier League table.

Of their title hopes, Liverpool legend Thompson suggests the back three, led by David Luiz and Gary Cahill, is the major factor for a premiership tilt.

"You would have said the weakness was going to be the defence at the start of the season but Antonio Conte is certainly getting a tune out of the back three," he assessed for Sky Sports.

"I've been a massive critic of David Luiz, and Gary Cahill was also making too many mistakes, but they've somehow both eradicated them from their games.

"The two wing-backs have been nothing short of phenomenal, with Victor Moses in particular being an unsung hero.

"Marcos Alonso has played in that role before but what Moses has done to adapt and make a niche after being loaned out to so many clubs is incredible."