Antonio Conte and Gary Cahill insisted that it was too early to talk about winning the title, despite the Blues’ moving up to a point behind the leaders after notching up their fourth consecutive league victory.
Chelsea swept aside Southampton in stunning fashion last night to go up fourth in the Premier League table. Individual moments of brilliance from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa in each half were enough to earn them the three points against a Southampton side that never really stood a chance from the get go. Were it not for some sloppy play in the final third from Chelsea’s attackers, the scoreline would have been much wider and the victory perhaps more convincing on paper.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, according to the Telegraph, Antonio Conte refused to play up his side’s title chances. Since that damning loss against Arsenal, Chelsea are yet to be defeated or even concede a goal in the league. “It’s early for us to speak about title contenders. We can improve a lot. We must improve. After the first part of the season – during January – I can tell more about this run.”
Since switching to the current 3-4-3 which has worked so well for them in the League, Chelsea are yet to be defeated and Conte knows the importance of having a confident side at his disposal. The fact that these players are beginning to believe in their abilities and Conte’s methods is evident by their string of recent results and the Italian’s happiness was obvious. “I’m pleased to see my players working very hard during the game with and without the ball. We know that the road is long but the confidence is increasing. It’s important to get this type of result and performance because, in this way, they can trust more in the work.”
The Blues’ currently sit on fourth place with 22 points, only one point behind rivals Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. Conte chose to remain quiet on his side’s title chances and insisted it was difficult to predict anything in a league like this. “If you ask me a prediction or an expectation of our championship, it’s very difficult to talk about this. It’s important to pass the first part of the season. Then, when you start the second part, our ideas will be more clear.” His words were echoed by stand-in Captain Gary Cahill, who said for now it was important to stay around the top of the table. “It’s too early in terms of any team talking about winning the league but it is important to stay near the top. I can’t see anyone running away with it this season.”
