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In a game that was supposed to be difficult for Chelsea due to Southampton’s form at home, Antonio Conte’s men defeated Southampton with ease on Sunday, and the win delighted the Chelsea boss so much.

Speaking after the game, Conte said: “I’m delighted, for sure,” he began. “I saw a lot of positive things, above all because we played against a strong team also in a good moment of form. To come here and win wasn’t easy, I said that on Friday.

“I’m pleased with the commitment and work-rate. The players worked very hard during the game with and without the ball. This is the right way to reach great satisfaction in this championship.

“We created many chances, and also for four games we have kept clean sheets. It means our confidence is increasing. The players deserve this. I see them every day, the way they are working. It’s important to arrive at this type of result because they can trust the work more, but we know the road is long and it’s important to continue to work very hard to improve.

“It wasn’t an easy game today but to stay close to first place is good. It gives us great confidence.” he said.