Conte calls for more of the same

LONDON: Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has called on his players to maintain the form they showed during their thrashing of Brighton until the end of the season to ensure a top-four finish.

The Blues were brilliant as they eased past the hosts, going 2-0 up after just six minutes through an Eden Hazard strike and a wonder goal by Willian. They then doubled their lead in the second-half thanks to another Hazard strike and a Victor Moses goal.

It was an impressive display from the defending Premier League champions who looked close to their best at the Amex Stadium and underlined just what they can do when on song.

And Conte was very happy with the performance. “It was an important performance. We started very well and scored quickly, with good combinations,” the Blues boss said.

“We started with a lot of worries, for injuries and suspensions, but the response of the team was incredible. I am very happy for this. Another clean sheet.

“Today it was a really good performance of the team. We moved the ball quickly, we tried to find the players between the lines, to have good combinations.

“I saw important things. Now we have to continue.”

It has been a tough season both for Conte and Chelsea. Although they lie in third spot performances this season have, at times, been patchy, with rumors rife that Conte is looking to leave Stamford Bridge come the summer. But from the opening seconds against Brighton the visitors looked every inch like defending champions. Hazard thumped the ball home from close range to net his 100th career league goal in the third minute.

Hazard was also involved in the second goal only three minutes later as some intricate link play ended with Brazil midfielder Willian producing a venomous right-foot shot that gave Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan no chance.

Brighton’s Ezequiel Schelotto had two penalty appeals turned down and Davy Propper headed against the post for the home team before Chelsea struck again with late goals from Hazard and Moses.

Hazard ran the game and showed exactly why Real Madrid are rumored to be interested in taking the Belgian to the Bernabeu at the end of the season.

“It’s my job (scoring goals). That’s why I like to play football,” said Hazard.