No Premier League title talk from Antonio Conte after leaders Chelsea win again
Goals from Pedro and Victor Moses secure 2-1 comeback win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday to leave the Blues a point clear of Liverpool and Manchester City
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte felt his side had passed a major examination by beating Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, but the Italian was not about to get carried away with talk of winning the Premier League even after a seventh straight win.
Yet the way the leaders overcame this first real battle during their two-month resurgence, coming from behind to win 2-1 and end Spurs’ unbeaten record, did suggest his men have the stomach to fight all the way to regain the crown they surrendered last season.
“It’s too early to talk of the title. This league is very tough,” said Conte, who was his usual excitable self on the touchline during the match but cut a rather more measured figure afterwards with his side still a point clear at the top.
After a run of six straight league wins without even conceding a goal, Chelsea’s challenge was put to a stiff test when Spurs took an early lead at Stamford Bridge through a fine strike by Christian Eriksen.
Conte’s new system of playing with a three-man defence and giving his wingers the freedom to roam up came under severe strain as the visitors dominated the first half.
Spurs controlled central midfield through the muscular Mousa Dembele, Victor Wanyama and Dele Alli, who overran Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic.