Chelsea fans here in the Tavern were left reeling this week after the disappointing defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

The Blues lost pace at the top of the Premier League table after the 2-0 defeat to Mauricio Pochettino side, who were more than deserving of the win in London.

They oozed quality throughout and even our landlord had little to say about the defeat, which was tough to take after their flying start to the league campaign.

And whilst some of the Chelsea punters lining the bar are frustrated with the loss, there’s still plenty to be optimistic about this campaign for the Blues and manager Antonio Conte.

Chelsea have long been the frontrunners for the whole campaign and when it comes to their Premier League ranking, they’re still sitting pretty at the top.

So with that in mind, here’s THREE reasons why Chelsea are still in pole-position for the Premier League title…

Their lead at the top is still a healthy one

Chelsea still carry a five point lead at the top of the Premier League and at this stage of the season, that is still a healthy total to be ahead by.

Whilst the Blues contingent here in the bar would have loved to have seen a win at White Hart Lane, you’re not going to win them all and Chelsea were well beaten by a quality-looking Spurs team in London.

Five points is still at least two wins to be dropped and at the rate we’ve seen this season, Chelsea are still going to be a very difficult side to dispatch indeed this season.

13 games unbeaten is still an impressive total indeed

Whilst a record 14th successive win will have to wait for another time, the ability to rack up 13 victories on the bounce is still pretty impressive going for Antonio Conte and Chelsea.

Of course, the record was there for the taking but on the night Chelsea were comfortably beaten and they shouldn’t be too down from a game that just went against them on the day.

They’ve been far superior to many sides in the division so far and if they can continue to put wins together at the rate they’ve been doing so this campaign, they’re going to be favourites for the title.

Conte has transformed the mood around the team

Make no qualms about it, this was a Chelsea team that was struggling for an identity before Antonio Conte was appointed this summer but in a matter of months, he’s really turned things around on the pitch.

He’s transformed the mood around the team and whilst the superb run is now at an end, this remains a team that is more than equipped for the fight for the title.

Back at the end of December, they were eight points adrift of then-leaders Manchester City.

They’ve done remarkably well so far and if they do win the title,

Antonio Conte will be at the heart of the success.