This finished feeling like a hard-fought victory though, in truth, the visitors should really have eased themselves clear during a one-sided opening period. Yet, in the context of a dip in performance levels either side of the last international window and with references still coming to the untimely injuries which have blunted his team, Conte finished satisfied. His squad needed to be reminded of their qualities, with confidence rebuilt and both conviction and momentum returned to their campaign. “This was a deserved win, a good win for our confidence and a good win before another tough game against Roma in the Champions League,” said the Italian. November’s games look kinder on paper but this division is notoriously treacherous, as Chelsea have been reminded of late.

Source: The Guardian October 28, 2017 18:38 UTC