Conte eyes ‘massive game’ against Spurs

Antonio Conte immediately turned his attention to Chelsea’s derby against rivals Tottenham following the 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough.

Diego Costa’s 10th goal of the season took Chelsea to the top of the table and they have now won six Premier League matches in a row – all without conceding a goal.

Next up are Spurs, who would move to within one point of Chelsea were they to win Saturday’s big game at Stamford Bridge.

“Middlesbrough played a good game but in this period it’s very difficult to play against Chelsea,” said Blues boss Conte.

“This game gives us more confidence and it increases our trust in what we are doing.

“Now it’s important to think about the next game, against Tottenham – a tough game, a massive game. Middlesbrough is now the past for us.”

Chelsea were not at their free-flowing best at the Riverside Stadium, largely because of a determined performance by the home side.

Conte was therefore encouraged by the manner of the win.

“I’m pleased because we won a game in a different way if you compare it with our past five games,’ he said.

“We won 1-0 against a strong team with good organisation. When we had to suffer, we suffered, but we never lost our compactness. It was very good.”