Chelsea manager Antonio Conte pointed to a lack of luck for his side being 13 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City after a comfortable home win over Brighton.
Conte’s side recorded a sixth-straight home win after an improved second-half display against the Seagulls, with Alvaro Morata and Marcos Alonso netting the key goals.
But the Premier League champions remain third as City prepare to face Newcastle on Wednesday.
“This season is different to last season,” said Conte after the match on Boxing Day. “Last season a lot of times we won games and were a bit lucky – like against West Brom here, Sunderland. This season sometimes we could have more luck.
“We have great respect for Manchester City because they are doing an extraordinary thing.”
Conte’s side looked lacklustre in parts during a first half in which Chris Hughton’s solid 4-5-1 formation minimised the threat to two wasted chances from close range by Tiemoue Bakayoko and Victor Moses.
But Brighton were caught cold 52 seconds into the second period when Morata ran between defenders to head home Cesar Azpilicueta’s fine cross.
The goal instantly changed the dynamic, lifting pressure from the home side who had repeatedly turned to the guile of Eden Hazard in attempt to break the visitors down.
But it was Alonso who sealed the win, glancing in a header moments after he was denied twice when Mat Ryan saved from a free-kick and a header.
“In the second half we settled very well and created many chances,” added Conte. “It was a good performance with good intensity.”
