Confident Conte not singing the Blues
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte shrugged off a recordwrecking 2-0 loss to Tottenham on Wednesday, and told his players to dust themselves off and restart their Premier League title quest.
Two Dele Alli headers meant Chelsea’s hopes of winning a 14th consecutive Premier League game — which would have been a record in a single campaign — foundered at White Hart Lane.
However, Italian Conte said the defeat was very different to the Blues’ 3-0 reverse at Arsenal on Sept 24, after which they embarked on their winning streak.
“We are disappointed but also we must be pleased for our run as 13 wins in this league is not easy,” Conte said.
“But this is a different defeat Antonio Conte, on Chelsea missing out on a record victory to the one in September because today we lost the game,butshowedthatwewere a team. Against Arsenal, we weren’t a team.”
Chelsea could have gone eight points clear at the top with a first victory at White Hart Lane since 2012, and while five points is a healthy margin over nearest rival Liverpool, Conte said the title race is now wide open.
Tottenham moved to third, seven points back of Chelsea and ahead of Manchester City on goal difference, while Arsenal is another point back and Manchester United two further behind.
“Today we lost against a really strong team and don’t forget Spurs fought last season for the title,” Conte said.
“They are improving, and they are one of the six teams that can fight to win the title.
“We are top of the table because we are working a lot, but for sure this league is very tough and we must continue to work and improve.
“A defeat can happen against Tottenham, now it’s important to restart.”
Chelsea had boasted the meanest defense in the league until Wednesday’s loss, so the nature of Tottenham’s goals — carbon-copy crosses and headers — was a surprise.
Spurs have conceded the least goals — 14 in 20 matches.
“It is strange for us to concede these goals because we are defending well, and they are in a crucial moment,” added Conte.
“At the end of the first half and in the second half after we miss the chances to score, but this can happen.
“My priority is to win again. The training doesn’t change if youwinoryoulose.Wehaveto continue to work.”
We are disappointed but also we must be pleased for our run as 13 wins in this league is not easy.”