Chelsea took ‘big psychological step’ – Conte

Jose Mourinho’s United bought Paul Pogba for a world record fee of £89million and Pep Guardiola’s City made big outlays on players including £50m defender John Stones.

But they need to respond from two losses in their last four Premier League matches, to Crystal Palace and Manchester United, beginning at home to Southampton on Tuesday night.

The Blues produced a solid display to win 4-2 at Stamford Bridge, with the Belgian opening the scoring, and increase their lead over second-placed Tottenham to seven points. For this reason I must be pleased. In England I think the captain has to talk and make people ready for the games.

“We must know that now it’s a good season”. But now it’s normal. This result leaves us in a good position.

Belgian global Eden Hazard continued his impressive form this term for Chelsea as he scored the first goal in the 5th minute after being set up by Diego Costa. “I think that it’s not the same, but my speech would have been the same”.

‘The moment is important for all of us.

“We must be confident for the future”. Now it’s important, I repeat, to rest.

“The most important thing is to look at ourselves, tonight was a big win for us. We’re delighted today, we played well and deserved the win”.

Conte’s men have now opened a seven-point advantage at the summit, well ahead of Tottenham who have a game at hand. There could also be an FA Cup to collect if Arsenal can be overcome in the final.

Conte said: “It wasn’t easy because we faced a very strong team who didn’t have any pressure”.

“Southampton didn’t play for 10 days”.

Ryan Bertrand nodded in a late Saints consolation and Puel was largely impressed with his players, but was left to rue two world-class talents. For us, it wasn’t easy.

“I hope they have trouble”.

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte: “I have in my mind the starting 11 but tomorrow I want to check very well the physical consideration of every single player as our last game was an intense one and used energy”. Goals are your life. “But for me I always said that I’m very pleased for his commitment, for his work for the team, because he’s always working for the team”. But when I’m on the pitch sometimes I prefer to pass the ball.

“It’s not too much about me, it’s about the lads”. Now he must continue.