Maurizio Sarri has set a new record for the longest unbeaten run by a new Premier League manager in his first season thanks to Sunday’s 3-1 win against Crystal Palace.
The Blues made it 11 league games without defeat, taking them up to second place in the table – level on points with Liverpool, but ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s side on goal difference.
It is the longest unbeaten streak by a new manager in the Premier League at the start of their reign, equalling the 11 games without defeat Frank Clark racked up back in 1994.
However, Clark was in his second season as Forest manager, having got the side promoted from the First Division following the departure of Brian Clough a year earlier.
Sarri was unconcerned about making history before facing Palace, saying at his pre-match press conference: ‘I don’t want to think about the record.
‘We have to think only about the match. We have to think only about how to gain points. The record is only a consequence.’ Sarri was already the first Chelsea manager to reach double figures in the Premier League without suffering defeat, while he has also won all five of his matches in the Carabao Cup and Europa League.
Chelsea’s only setback under the Italian came in the Community Shield at the start of the season, when the side were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City.
As well as racking up a string of excellent results, Sarri has got the side playing more attacking and fluid football than predecessor Antonio Conte, setting club passing records in the process.