Antonio Conte: "It is important that Cesc had a good game"

Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte was had a mixed reaction to the Blues' win away to Sunderland today. The Italian was predictably delighted with his side securing a 10th straight win, one that opens up a 6 point cushion for them over Arsenal and Liverpool, who lead the chasing pack, but Conte was also disappointed with his side for not finishing off the game.

Sunderland came perilously close to grabbing a late equalizer in a game in which they barely turned up, with Thibaut Courtois producing a fantastic injury time save to deny former Chelsea youth product Patrick van Aanholt.

An annoyed Conte said after the game, "When you have the possibility to kill the game you must kill the game. We had this possibility but we didn't and at the end Courtois made a good save. It was good, it is important for the future because today we didn't pay but when you have the possibility to kill the game you must kill the game. I hope in the future we can improve."

Conte did reserve some praise for match winner Cesc Fabregas, who was handed a rare start today ahead of Nemanja Matic as Conte looked to get the most out of his squad heading into the busy Christmas period.

Explaining his decision to pick Fabregas, Conte said, "Cesc is a good player for us. In the midfield I have four midfielders and it is important for me to evaluate the form of the single players, some games you need players more physical and some games with more technical. It is important that Cesc had a good game."

When quizzed about his side now opening up a fairly useful lead at the top of the standings, Conte said, "I prefer my players not to look at the table and to focus on the next game in three days. We must prepare very well to have a good Christmas."

Up next for Chelsea is a London derby with Crystal Palace, who were more than a little unfortunate to go down 2-1 to Manchester United today.

Also Read: The Match Report / Fabregas post match reaction

Other Results from Wednesday Night: Middlesbrough 0-3 Liverpool / Crystal Palace 1-2 Man Utd / Tottenham 3-0 Hull / Man City 2-0 Watford

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