Conte: Blues outplayed by United

NEWCASTLE United “outplayed” Chelsea in “every way” and showed real “fight and desire” to dismantle the Blues at St James’ Park, admits Antonio Conte.

Dwight Gayle scored Newcastle’s opener before Ayoze Perez netted a second-half brace to ensure the Magpies ended the campaign with a top-10 finish thanks to their 3-0 victory over the outgoing Premier League champions.

Conte cut a frustrated figure on the touchline on Sunday, during a game which many believe will be his last league match in charge of the Blues, and he accepts his side were secondbest throughout the contest.

“For sure we didn’t play a good game, from the start Newcastle outplayed us in every way,” Conte said following the Blues’ defeat on Tyneside.

“Newcastle showed a great desire and a will to fight and to take three points, and finish the season in the best possible way. For sure we can do better than before.

“I think there was a great frustration because in our mind, there was a will to finish this season in the best possible way.

“Instead from the start we didn’t show the right will to finish the season in the best possible way.

“Newcastle outplayed us and they deserved to win. But I am the first person to answer for this.”

Chelsea end their campaign on Saturday when they take on Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

And, if they replicate their woeful St James’ Park performance in north London, Conte acknowledges they will be swept aside by Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils.

“For sure we must change, if we think we play a game like this in the final of the FA Cup we don’t have a chance – we don’t have a chance,” added the Blues boss (pictured).

“We have six days to change our approach, our desire and our will to fight.

“I am the first person to answer for this as I am the coach of this team and, after a game like this, I am the first person to answer for this game.”