Chelsea boss Antonio Conte shrugs off defeat at Tottenham as Pochettino’s men join Premier League title race
Italian manager insists league title is now a six horse race
Italian Conte, however, said the defeat was very different to the 3-0 reverse they suffered at Arsenal on September 24, since when they have been unstoppable.
“We are disappointed but also we must be pleased for our run as 13 wins in this league is not easy,” Conte said.
“Against Arsenal, we weren’t a team, today we were.”
Chelsea could have gone eight points clear at the top with a first victory at White Hart Lane since 2012 and while five points is still a healthy margin over nearest rivals Liverpool, Conte insists the title race is now wide open.
Tottenham moved up to third, seven points behind, ahead of Manchester City on goal difference while Arsenal are a point further adrift and Manchester United two further back.
“We are top of the table because we are working a lot, but for sure this league is very tough and we must continue to work and improve. A defeat can happen against Tottenham, now it’s important to restart.”
Conte’s side had boasted the meanest defence in the league until Wednesday’s defeat so the nature of both Tottenham’s goals – carbon-copy crosses and headers – was a surprise.
Tottenham have now conceded the least goals – 14 in 20 games.
“It is strange for us to concede these goals because we are defending well, and they are in a crucial moment,” he said.
“At the end of the first half and then in the second half after we miss the chances to score, but this can happen.
“My priority is to win again. The training doesn’t change if you win or you lose. We have to continue to work.”
