Chelsea wrapped up their 10th win on the bounce in the Premier League as they ran out 1-0 winners at Sunderland. Cesc Fabregas, who returned to the starting lineup after being on the bench against West Brom, scored the only goal of the game.
The result took the Blues six points clear of Arsenal and Liverpool, but their boss Antonio Conte had his reservations on the win. “When you have the possibility to kill the game you must kill the game,” he said in the post-match presser.
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“We had this possibility but we didn’t. At the end Courtois made a good save. It was good, it is important for the future because today we didn’t pay. When you have the possibility to kill the game you must kill the game. I hope in the future we can improve,” the Italian added.
Courtois saves Blues’ blushes
Chelsea came into the game without their in-form winger Eden Hazard, but Fabregas’ curled finish was enough to get them three points against the Black Cats. Courtois was called into action late on as he made a brilliant save from Patrick van Aarnholt to deny Sunderland a point and secure Chelsea’s 13th win of the season.
The Blues’ last defeat came when they visited Arsenal, losing 3-0 to a rampant Gunners side. But since then, Conte has switched to a 3-4-3, and they have looked a completely different side.
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Solid at the back and incisive up front, Chelsea have blazed their way to the top of the table, defeating the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Manchester City in the process.
Fabregas pushes for starting spot
Another player who has impressed in the chances he has got is Cesc Fabregas, who grabbed last night’s winner. There has been speculation over his future at Chelsea, with talks of a move to Italy doing the rounds.
Conte said before the match that he can’t guarantee the Spaniard’s future, although he did heap praise on his midfielder. Fabregas, after last night’s game, sent out a message to Conte and all his doubters.
"In football today people forget very, very, very quickly who you are & what you can do. Hopefully, now I can get a run of games," the ex-Gunner stated after the match. His recent performances will give Conte a selection headache, and he may soon have to break up his preferred midfield pairing of Matic and Kante.
