Conte: Six wins and title is ours
Chelsea will require 18 more points to win the Premier League title, manager Antonio Conte told his players after their 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s lead was cut to seven points after they lost 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace at the weekend, but they preserved their advantage over Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs will end the season on 89 points if they win their last eight games and Conte says his side must win six of their remaining fixtures – which would take them to 90 points – to be sure of the title. “I like to say only the winners write history,” he said.
“They know very well the situation. The only message I send them is that we must think Tottenham could win eight games.”
With Tottenham having come from behind to win 3-1 at Swansea City, Chelsea’s lead would have been cut to four points if they had lost to Manchester City.
They took a 10th-minute lead when Eden Hazard scored via a deflection off his Belgium teammate Vincent Kompany, who made his first start since January.
A loose kick by home goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois enabled Sergio Aguero to level for City in the 26th minute.
But Fernandinho’s trip on Pedro gave Hazard a chance to restore Chelsea’s lead from the spot 10 minutes before half-time, which he took at the second attempt after Willy Caballero saved his penalty.
City remain fourth, 14 points below Chelsea, and with Arsenal and Manchester United hot on their heels – both four points back with a game in hand – Guardiola knows they face a scrap for a topfour finish.
“Today the Premier League has gone,” Guardiola said.
“We have to think about the last seven, eight games left to get in the Champions League.” – AFP