Cape Town - Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says his side are still in a good position to win the Premier League despite their shock loss against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Blues had their lead at the top of the table cut to seven points after losing 2-1 at home to the Eagles and face a difficult game against Manchester City on Wednesday.
Conte though is impressed by the way his players have reacted to the defeat against Palace.
The Italian told reporters on Tuesday: "It's a very important part of the season for many teams, not only us.
"We have to continue working very hard in the same way, prepare in the right way for every game and keep the concentration.
"But at this point I'm pleased because I'm always seeing a great commitment by my players.
"It can happen you can lose a game. I think we didn't deserve to lose the game against Crystal Palace but football is wonderful also for this type of result.
"It's normal that with 27 points available, anything can happen in the league, but we are in a really good position."
Meanwhile Conte said the bad-tempered end to the Premier League leaders 3-1 victory over Manchester City earlier this season will not influence Wednesday's renewal of their rivalry.
The 47-year-old Italian - speaking to the press a year to the day he was named as Chelsea manager for this season - revealed that Brazilian defender David Luiz still requires treatment on the knee that Sergio Aguero clattered into earning him a red card.