Conte pleased after Chelsea draw at Anfield

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Antonio Conte was pleased with Chelsea’s performance in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

The Blues boss made a number of changes, including bringing in Danny Drinkwater for Cesc Fabregas, and his team defended in numbers for large spells of the first half.

“I think we played in a really good way – a tactical way and I think it was difficult for Liverpool to make chances,” Conte said.

“It was a tactical decision to be in the first half very solid. The game changed in the second half and we dominated the game.

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“When you have to play a lot of games every coach tries to make the best decision, otherwise you risk having the players very tired.

“For example, Cesc played every game from the start of the season. Today I took this decision.

“It was an important one because when you give a new player this type of chance against Liverpool it shows the coach trusts the player. I think I can count on Drinkwater.”

Willian, on as a substitute along with Fabregas and Pedro, scored an 85th-minute equaliser to rescue a point for Conte’s side after former Chelsea man Mohamed Salah had put Liverpool ahead.

“The impact of the subs was great,” said Conte.

“We must be pleased. Both teams played with a great intensity from the start to the end. We drew and tried to win the game.”