Antonio Conte has lauded the recent form of his Chelsea team after victory against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday ensured nine successive Premier League wins.
Diego Costa’s stunning second-half goal proved the difference between the two sides at Stamford Bridge. The victory moved Chelsea back to the top of the league table, three points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
Italian manager Conte has masterminded an incredible turnaround at Chelsea after dispiriting early season defeats to title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool suggested the problems that engulfed their shambolic title defence last term were not too far from the surface.
However, a switch in formation to 3-4-3 and a reshuffle in personnel has resulted in Chelsea surging up the table.
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“It was a tough game and we prepared for this situation,” Conte said. “We played with passion. West Brom is a tough team, a physical team who are difficult to break down. It was a good win and now we must continue.
“We have won nine in a row which is fantastic because this league is very tough. We are working very well.”
Costa’s goal started from a long-ball upfield from substitute Cesc Fabregas, who has found himself on the fringes of the first team since Conte’s arrival. The Spain striker then harried West Brom defender Gareth McAuley off the ball before curling a left-footed effort into the top corner.
Fabregas refused to take any credit for his part in Costa’s goal, preferring all the attention to go to his international teammate.
“We knew it could be difficult to create chances, they played their game, had a plan and did it very well. But thanks to this man (Costa) once again we have three points,” Fabregas told BT Sport.
“Every pass I make, he makes it special. Probably it will count as an assist but it was all him today. He fought for the ball ... the game was asking for a change and it happened and I’m very glad for that.”
Chelsea’s next Premier League assignment sees top face bottom on Wednesday when they travel to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland.
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