Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Chelsea were woeful against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday night. The Blues lost the game 1-0 and weren’t able to record a shot on target all game long.

Chelsea sat so deep in their own half and Antonio Conte started yet again without a recognised striker as Eden Hazard was isolated upfront.

Conte’s tactics enabled City get a Premier League record of 975 passes which has caused fans and pundits to be critical of Conte’s pragmatic approach.

However, the Italian was adamant that his side only stood a chance of picking up any points if they sat off and denied City space.

He told Sky Sports afterwards: “I think in this moment it’s very difficult to play against Manchester City. They are showing to be a really strong team with fantastic quality.

“It’s very difficult to play against them especially if you conceded space between the lines. In this moment they are able to score three, four or five goals. ‘I think out effort was an important effort. We tried. It’s a pity for the goal that we conceded 30 seconds into the second half. I think this changed the game.”