Photo: Getty Images

Chelsea defeated Southampton 4-2 on Tuesday night to open a seven point lead at the top of the table and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte believes Gary Cahill’s goal just before the break was a crucial moment in the game.

“‘It was very important otherwise we would have gone into the changing room at 1-1,” Conte said.

“It’s not the same and my speech wouldn’t have been the same.

“I’m pleased for Gary, he scored a really important goal for us and maybe it gave us more confidence for the second half.”