Chelsea extended their phenomenal winning run to 11 straight games after they dispatched Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park.
Star striker Diego Costa scored the all important goal for Chelsea as they equaled their club record of winning eleven straight Premier League games. The Blues have looked solid since their switch to a 3-4-3, and are still to taste defeat when the system has been employed.
A drab first half of football looked likely to end goalless before Costa rose to the occasion to break the deadlock for the visitors. This made Conte’s half-time talk a whole lot easier, who then set his side out to protect a slender one-goal lead.
However, it was not all sunshine and rainbows for Costa as he picked up a booking in the 22nd minute which will see him miss Chelsea’s next game against Bournemouth on Boxing Day. The striker was flirting with a suspension since the 4-0 win against Manchester United, but has managed to keep his tempers in check ever since.
While referee Jonathan Moss showed no hesitation in showing a yellow to the Spain international, Conte believed that he had made a wrong decision and that Costa did not deserve to be booked.
“I hoped Diego would arrive after the game against Stoke without a yellow card, but it didn’t happen. It’s a pity because he’s in a good moment of form,” Conte was quoted as per the club’s official website.
“I think he didn’t deserve the yellow card, I must be honest. It’s an opportunity for me to see another idea, but yes, we are disappointed to lose him,” he added.
Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill were solid at the back and did well to keep the Crystal Palace attackers at bay. The hosts were restricted to just six attempts and only two of them were on goal.
The Blues midfielders worked tirelessly and did everything they could to create chances for the attacking players. With 13 attempts, Chelsea might feel that they should won by a more convincing margin.
Conte has praised the quality of his side and stated that he does not see any other team in England’s top flight that can win 11 games on the spin. He said:
“We have great quality, and the players are putting this quality in the team. This is the real secret for Chelsea now. To win 11 games in a row in this league is not simple, now and in the future.
“If I don’t say I am pleased for this record I am dishonest. I am not a person who loves stats, but it’s my first season in England and to win 14 games out of 17 is fantastic.”
The London side have a Boxing Day fixture against a Bournemouth side that are on the back of wins against defending champions Leicester and Liverpool over the past three weeks. However, with home advantage and a stronger team on paper, Chelsea will be looking to extend their winning run and take a healthy lead into the new year.
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