Fernando Torres has said that Chelsea are performing at a greater consistency than they reached last season.

The 29-year-old scored during his side's 3-0 win over Southampton on New Year's Day, and believes that their form away from home is proving crucial to their good run.

"We are in a good moment and we have to keep it up," Torres told the club's official website. "Normally, November, December and January is the time of the season when you stay near the top or fall away.

"Last season we didn't perform in those months which made it difficult in the league, this season we are there, very close to the top and winning important games like Southampton away.

"We have been improving, especially away from home, and you can see that in the table. It's no secret we are playing better, all the players are involved and this is the time of the year when there are a lot of games in all competitions."

Chelsea are currently third in the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Arsenal.