Chelsea manager Antonio Conte defended his cautious approach despite his side failing to register a shot on target as they went down 1-0 to Premier League champions-elect Manchester City.
The Italian’s tactics were lambasted by pundits and Chelsea fans alike as he started without a recognised striker by leaving club-record signing Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud on the bench.
City moved 18 points clear at the top of the table, and 25 ahead of Chelsea in fifth, as Bernardo Silva’s goal 35 seconds into the second half broke the visitors’ resistance.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte was lambasted for his tactics against Manchester City. Photo: EPA
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However, Conte claimed it would be “stupid” to open up against the runaway league leaders, citing criticism of Arsenal’s back-to-back 3-0 defeats to City in the League Cup final and Premier League in the past week.
“I’m not so stupid to play against Man City open and lose 3-0 or 4-0,” said Conte.
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“If I remember well, Arsenal three days ago played against them and you criticised (Arsene) Wenger because they concede three goals.
