Chelsea returned to winning ways on Sunday after a 2-1 win over London rivals Spurs at Wembley. The Blues have had a tough pre-season and an even worse start to the Premier League, but put in a good performance against Spurs and got the all important 3 points which will set their season into motion.

There has been a lot of talk about Conte’s side this summer, with the Italian desperate to add to his squad after the departure of so many key figures. But the champion’s delivered when it mattered at Wembley, with Marcos Alonso scoring two as the Blues all but forget their opening day horror against Burnley.

After the game, Antonio Conte thanked his team, something Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville found very strange – saying that the quotes were ‘unnecessary’. But the former England and United right-back said that Conte’s quotes showed how big the game was for him, and that winning was absolutely vital for morale.

“It was interesting the quotes from Antonio Conte at the end of the match, thanking his players,” Neville said on Sky Sports.

“I wouldn’t say he would have been shocked or surprised by what he saw yesterday, but I think with the negativity, I mentioned before the game it could unravel at Chelsea pretty quickly and he wouldn’t have known what to expect.”

“His players dug in, they were resilient, they stuck to the game-plan, they were everything he would have wanted to be playing against a team in far better form, far better enthusiasm and positivity, and I think Chelsea stood up to it.”

“They were really well tough in the game, I think every single one of them deserves credit.”

“We’ve seen that Chelsea group over many years turn very quickly and it can get very nasty and moody.”

“I thought yesterday this was a big game for Antonio Conte, and it meant more than three points.”

“He thanked his players at the end, he shouldn’t have to thank his players, but he did and I think that was just a relief to how the game had gone.”

Chelsea will look to kick on from Sunday’s result and defend their Premier League title with real intent. Sure, it has been a difficult start to Conte’s second season in charge – but with a thin squad he is doing the best he can and there will surely be more additions before the window slams shut.