Antonio Conte praises ‘great discipline’ of Diego Costa in Chelsea win

Chelsea tightened the grip on the Premier League trophy with a hard fought 2-1 win over Stoke City as Antonio Conte and his men continued their superb form in the league.

12 minutes into Saturday’s match and the London Blues went ahead through Willian who scored with an unbelievable free kick.

Conte has had a huge impact at Stamford Bridge since his appointment as the club’s new manager and his Chelsea team are now leading the way at the top of the Premier League table.

Even without the injured Eden Hazard, Antonio Conte’s men, who have lost just one game in 2017, triumphed again when Cahill struck three minutes from time to make amends for giving away a first-half penalty. It was a typical Premier League game, we are happy with the victory. “We won and wins are all that matter at this stage of the season”.

The Chelsea boss also suggested that there were a couple of other players who were doubts for the Stoke game but Conte refused to divulge any more details on those who will need late fitness checks.

“I like to think that now we need to take 21 points to be sure to win the league”.

“Diego I think played very well and also he showed me great discipline because it’s not easy to start the game and receive a yellow card”, Conte said in a post-match interview.

Stoke City responded well after conceding an early goal. “But today it is important against a strong team and in a very hot stadium”.

Stoke beat Chelsea at home last season as the Blues struggled under Jose Mourinho, but under Conte they have dropped points in just three games since September and are on a five-game winning run.

In the Premier League, Arsene Wenger sunk further into a crisis after Craig Dawson’s brace helped West Brom to a 3-1 win over Arsenal.

Leicester led 2-0 inside seven minutes, Riyad Mahrez’s cross from the right curling straight in before Robert Huth headed in a cross from Marc Albrighton.