Antonio Conte suggested that his Chelsea side are in perfect shape for a busy mid‑winter after Diego Costa’s goal lifted them to the top of the Premier League on Sunday. The 1-0 win at Middlesbrough was their sixth in succession and, even more impressively, that sequence has been achieved without the concession of a single goal. “This league is very tough so if you’re not strong it’s difficult to wins games – and particularly this game today. Having recently drawn with Arsenal and City, Middlesbrough’s manager was asked which of that pair and Chelsea were best. We’re happy with today’s work but the league is not won today, it’s not even Christmas yet.”

Source: The Guardian November 20, 2016 20:23 UTC