Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois scores free-kick in training
Chelsea are now eight points clear in the title race and edging nearer to regaining their crown from Leicester.
Despite only just entering the second half of the season, the Blues’ goalkeeper believes they are just two games away from practically ruling Liverpool and Arsenal out of the running.
And if Antonio Conte’s men prevail in both title showdowns, it will go a long way to seeing them lift the Premier League trophy.
GETTY
Thibaut Courtois admits Chelsea eased off last season but are properly motivated again
Now we have a big gap, hopefully we can win against [Liverpool & Arsenal] and put ourselves further away
Thibaut Courtois
“We wanted to win more games after the Tottenham result [the early January defeat that ended Chelsea's 13-game winning streak], and before we play Liverpool and Arsenal,” Courtois said.
"Now we have a big gap, hopefully we can win against them and put ourselves further away."
On Chelsea’s woeful defence of the title in the 2015/16 campaign, Courtois added: “Last season, we started a little bit too relaxed. We thought, 'Last season we were champions easily, this year we can take it easy.'
“We dropped points in the Premier League, we started to lose, and we couldn't get out of that. There was a bit of a negative atmosphere, which meant things didn't go well.
GETTY
Thibaut Courtois and his Chelsea team-mates have been pushed further by Arsenal and Liverpool
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
GETTY
Thibaut Courtois kept another clean sheet for Chelsea on Sunday in their 2-0 league win over Hull
"This year, with rivals like Liverpool and especially Arsenal, the players said to themselves, 'Boys, we don't want to have the same season as last year. We have to give more.'"
Before Chelsea take on Liverpool and Arsenal, who sit fourth and second in the table respectively, they have an FA Cup fourth round derby with Brentford on Saturday (3pm) at the Bridge.
Courtois is expected to be rested for the tie, though, as back-up Asmir Begovic has featured in cup games, even though the Bosnian’s been linked with a move this month to Bournemouth.