Antonio Conte said he would be happy for Chelsea to creep up on the rails in the Premier League title race following their clinical 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Chelsea were stunned 3-2 by Burnley in the opening game of their title defence, but weathered heavy pressure to ruin Tottenham’s Wembley house-warming party on Sunday thanks to left wing-back Marcos Alonso’s brace.
Chelsea also started last season unsteadily, losing two of their first six matches, only for a 13-game winning run to set them on the path to glory, and Conte sees no reason why the same formula should not work again.
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was beaten easily at his near post for the winning goal. Photo: AP
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“It’s not important if we are not favourites in this league,” said the Chelsea manager, whose preparations for the season were hampered by his club’s failure to significantly strengthen their squad.
“It was the same last season. We know we are trying to improve our team, our squad, and the club is trying to do its best in the transfer market.
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“But I’m very happy when I see this type of game. I’m not speaking about football, but this spirit, this heart, this desire.
