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Agence France-Presse

Antonio Conte insisted his focus is on the Premier League title and not seeing his Chelsea side set a new record of successive league victories.
The 3-0 defeat of Bournemouth on Monday set a new club record of 12 straight league wins, one short of Arsenal’s single-season mark from 14 years ago.
Victory over Stoke City at Stamford Bridge at the weekend will set up the possibility of Conte’s side breaking the record at Tottenham Hotspur.
Conte, though, says the only thing that concerns him is the impact on the table that shows Chelsea clear in top spot.

“If you ask me I hope to continue winning until the end of the season but, for sure, it is not easy,” said Conte.
“I am pleased to see my players with great concentration and focus, with great will to fight and continue in this way.
Pedro double sends record-breaking Chelsea seven points clear at top of Premier League
“To win 12 games in a row is not easy in this league. It’s a fantastic run but it’s important to continue that now. For me, it’s important only for the table.
“With these 12 wins in a row we took 36 points and our table position is fantastic now. It’s important only for this.
Watch: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte


“I always thought that the record is not important if at the end you don’t reach something important in your championship.”
Pedro set Chelsea on course for victory with a 24th minute opener before Eden Hazard added the second from the penalty spot four minutes into the second half and Pedro added the third in injury time.
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City face series of ‘finals’ in Premier League title push
Victory was achieved without suspended duo Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante and Conte believes this only increased the scale of his side’s achievement and will be noted by their main rivals.
“I think today we sent a good message,” said Conte.

“In general because I think that a lot of people waited to see if, without two really important players, Costa and Kante, we could lose points in this game.
“It didn’t happen, I am pleased for this, because I can count on all my players in the squad. I try in every game to make the best decision for the team without looking at the faces.”
Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola brace for Premier League Boxing Day baptisms
Conte opted to employ Hazard as a central striker, forcing 23-year-old Belgian international forward Michy Batshuayi to continue his wait for a first league start since his arrival from Marseille.
“After the Crystal Palace game I said we had a week to work to find the right solution, to play for the first time without Diego, without Kante,” said Conte.

Happy Boxing Day Blues!! Come on @ChelseaFC #CFC pic.twitter.com/xFuBLvwZ4S
— Pedro Rodríguez (@_Pedro17_) December 26, 2016

<![CDATA[// ><!]]>

“After a week of work, I decide to choose this type of solution, with Eden, Pedro and Willian. I’m pleased for the performance of these players.
“I think that Michy is a really good player, but a young player, he is trying to adapt to this league.
History points to Chelsea for the title as holiday stats weigh in Blues’ favour
“I try to make the best decision for the team but I am sure that Michy could have the possibility to show his talent in the future.”
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe admitted the defeat had taught his side a valuable lesson.

“When you have Hazard, Pedro and Willian, counterattacking with such pace it’s difficult,” said Howe.
“I think that was probably the thing where we fell short, on the ball we gave them too many times to get into those situations by not being tight enough or good enough on the ball in those situations.
“That’s something we take away from this game.”

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English Premier League

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte focused on Premier League crown and not record after 12th straight win

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. Photo: AFP

epa05688875 Chelsea's players celebrates after scoring by Eden Hazard during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Bournemouth at the Stamford Bridge in London, Britain, 26 December 2016. EPA/HAYOUNG JEON

Britain Soccer Football - Chelsea v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League - Stamford Bridge - 26/12/16 Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe Action Images via Reuters / Tony O'Brien Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

Chelsea's Italian head coach Antonio Conte gesture from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge in London on December 26, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Sport

Football

Win over Bournemouth sets new club record of 12 straight wins, one short of Arsenal’s single-season mark from 14 years ago


Chelsea manager Antonio Conte focused on Premier League crown and not record after 12th straight win

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Win over Bournemouth sets new club record of 12 straight wins, one short of Arsenal’s single-season mark from 14 years ago

Win over Bournemouth sets new club record of 12 straight wins, one short of Arsenal’s single-season mark from 14 years ago