Marcos Alonso has said monthly team meals organised by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and captain John Terry have helped galvanise team spirit.
Chelsea are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table and Alonso, a key player since his £23 million move from Fiorentina last summer, said the bonding sessions had played an important role in establishing the right mood.
"We have been going out for dinner once a month all together as a group, just enjoying each other's company off the pitch as well," he told Chelsea's official website.
"It's been a great help, and the atmosphere within the squad is amazing.