Conte is pleased, but knows the race is far from over with tough test coming vs Manchester United

Conte is pleased, but knows the race is far from over with tough test coming vs Manchester United

Premier League leaders Chelsea defeated Bournemouth 3-1 away from home on Saturday evening, responding emphatically to Tottenham’s impressive victory over Watford in the day’s early kick-off.

An own goal from Bournemouth’s Adam Smith set Chelsea on their way before minutes later star man Eden Hazard added a second. Despite Bournemouth rallying somewhat and scoring through Josh King it was Marcos Alonso who had the final say, whipping in a perfect free-kick in the 68th minute to all but kill the game.

Antonio Conte was pleased after the match, but knows there is a long way to go and that his team will need to fight till the end to get the job done.

“There are seven games to go, and we have a schedule that’s not easy,” the Italian said as reported by talkSPORT.

“But it’s important to go game by game, in this case after our defeat against Crystal Palace, we played Manchester City, and we could drop points, and today we could drop points also. Instead we won both games. We have to continue in this way game by game, to be focused and to concentrate.”

“Because for sure Tottenham has great desire to win the title. And we must have the same desire. Don’t forget Tottenham last season fought for the title until the end and it means that Tottenham are a really good team.”

“Last season Chelsea finished 10th and now we are on top of the table. Tottenham are stronger than last season, it’s important we understand this. It wasn’t easy to play this game after the win of Tottenham, but our reaction, our answer was very good.”

“I like the pressure, if I don’t see pressure I put pressure. Because I think under the pressure you get the best from yourself.”

The Blues’ lead at the top of the Premier League table has been restored to 7 points. It was very important that Chelsea kept the gap so large ahead of next weekend’s trip to Old Trafford. Manchester United haven’t lost in the league since the end of October (4-0 loss to Chelsea) and will provide a tough test for the champions elect.

Conte knows the race is far from over, and you can be sure he’ll be relaying that message to his players. The slip-up against Palace last weekend has been responded to impressively with the victories over Man City and Bournemouth, which has kept the 14-15 champions on track to gain another Premier League crown.