“There are still six tough games left in the Premier League”.
“I think that now at Chelsea we are in a period of transition”, the Chelsea head coach said.
It was only the fourth time in the famous old knockout competition that a semi-final had featured the current top two in the top flight and it did not disappoint.
Conte reckons players can only be great by playing as part of a team. A loss to Southampton on Tuesday would mark the first time Chelsea have lost three league games in one month since October 2015.
While Chelsea were able to bring on Hazard, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas at Wembley, Spurs’ substitutes included Kyle Walker, Ben Davies, Janssen, Nkoudou, Sissoko, Kevin Wimmer and goalkeeper Pau Lopez. And there were two goals in the first half for Willian, Hazard’s replacement. But the attacking pair made second half appearances with Hazard scoring a stunning goal to give Chelsea a 3-2 lead.
“I trust them, (as well as) every single player, and I think I showed this today”. “This is perhaps my second best ever”.
Spurs faltered when Kane and Toby Alderweireld were out injured earlier in the season and they must recruit better this summer.
Victory lifted Palace up to 12th place on 38 points ahead of Wednesday’s game.
When Chelsea’s team sheet materialised showing Eden Hazard and Diego Costa on the bench for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final it seemed Antonio Conte had handed the initiative to his Tottenham Hotspur counterpart Mauricio Pochettino.
“I felt as well that what was questioned was answered on the pitch”, the Frenchman said, responding to claims by critics that Arsenal lacked spirit.
Rio Ferdinand compares the squad depth of Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Defeat ultimately did not cost Leicester, which went on to be crowned champion. But, if you ask me, this season isn’t the only season the Manchester clubs have spent a lot of money. “I’m trying to win games, to create some chance, to score some goals, and I did”.
Fair play. Hazard appreciates how brilliant Kante has been for Chelsea in his debut season, so he’s willing to share the award. Palace’s in-form defence has masterminded victories against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool after winning six games in their last eight league outings. “Tottenham” behind the “blue” has only four points, that promises an exciting finish of the championship of England.
‘Don’t think about holidays, don’t think about rumours; don’t think about next season what will happen.
Chelsea last did the league and FA Cup double in 2010 as Carlo Ancelotti enjoyed a similarly impressive first season in the hot seat, although Conte highlighted the different circumstances his compatriot faced.