Antonio happy for Chelsea to play hunters

london — Antonio Conte said he would be happy for Chelsea to creep up on the rails in the Premier League title race following their clinical 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea were stunned 3-2 by Burnley in the opening game of their title defence, but weathered heavy pressure to ruin Tottenham’s Wembley housewarming party on Sunday thanks to Marcos Alonso’s brace.

Chelsea also started last season unsteadily, losing two of their first six matches, only for a 13-game winning run to set them on the path to glory, and Conte sees no reason why the same formula should not work again. “It’s not important if we are not favourites in this league,” said the Chelsea manager, whose preparations for the season were hampered by his club’s failure to significantly strengthen their squad.

“It was the same last season. We know we are trying to improve our team, our squad, and the club is trying to do its best in the transfer market.

“But I’m very happy when I see this type of game. I’m not speaking about football, but this spirit, this heart, this desire.

“I must be satisfied because my players gave me everything today. They did the same last season.”

With Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas suspended, Eden Hazard injured and Diego Costa still angling for an exit, Conte was obliged to innovate.

He opted for a new-look 3-51-1 system that featured David Luiz in midfield alongside new signing Tiemoue Bakayoko, who was pressed into action earlier than scheduled after overcoming a knee injury.

Conte described both players’ performances as “amazing” and said Chelsea’s ability to withstand Spurs’ pressure had been a display of “champions”.

Alonso swept Chelsea ahead with a magnificent 24th-minute free-kick and then netted the winner two minutes from time after substitute Michy Batshuayi’s own goal appeared to have rescued a point for Spurs.

A crowd of 73,587 made for an occasionally deafening atmosphere and Conte suggested the fervour of the fans had benefited his team. “In this fantastic stadium, to feel this atmosphere is amazing,” he said. —