Share

Conte hails 'big step' towards title

London - Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said his side had taken a "big step" towards the Premier League title after their 2-1 defeat of Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Eden Hazard scored twice in the first half, sandwiching an equaliser by Sergio Aguero, as Chelsea returned to winning ways following Saturday's shock 2-1 home defeat by Crystal Palace.

It left Conte's side seven points clear of second-place Tottenham Hotspur with eight games of the season remaining.

"(It was) another step - a big step - against a great team. They have a lot of qualities," Conte told BT Sport.

"I think we showed to be a great team, to win a difficult game after a defeat against Crystal Palace.

"It wasn't easy to reply very well in this way. I'm satisfied for this, but we have to continue this way.

"We must think that Tottenham could win all their games. We need 18 points to win the title. I think we are playing a great season, but to win the title there is a long way to go."

Defeat left City 14 points below Chelsea in fourth place and beaten manager Pep Guardiola said his side's title hopes were now over.

"The Premier League is gone now. It will be between Tottenham and Chelsea," he said.

"So now we want to (get in) the Champions League places."

City occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot and are four points clear of Arsenal and Manchester United, but both teams have a game in hand on them.

Guardiola has been beaten six times in a league season for the first time in his managerial career, but he said he was proud of his players.

"It's an honour to have the amazing players I have," said the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach.

"We come here to Stamford Bridge and play the way we have, with huge personality. I'm a lucky guy to manage these guys.

"It's encouraging for the future. I'm optimistic. It's been like this all season, but in the boxes we are not good enough."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE