Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said his side had taken “a big psychological step” after they defeated Southampton 4-2 to move seven points clear at the Premier League summit.
Chelsea’s recent 2-0 loss at Manchester United allowed closest rivals Tottenham Hotspur to trim their advantage to four points.
But they beat Tottenham 4-2 in the FA Cup semifinals on Saturday before overcoming Southampton by the same scoreline on Tuesday to turn up the heat on Spurs, who visit Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
“I think we passed a big, big step,” Conte told reporters at Stamford Bridge.
“A big psychological step after the defeat against United. Because against United we lost three points and then you had to prepare (for) a semifinal against Tottenham.
“We reached the final in the FA Cup, which is a great incentive for us. But the other competition, the league, is totally open.
“But I think we are ready to fight until the end. Then we must be proud for our job, for what we are doing this season.”
Diego Costa was Chelsea’s match-winner against Southampton, scoring twice in the second half to take his Premier League tally to 51 goals in 85 appearances and end a seven-game scoring drought.
“It’s normal for the strikers that it is important to score. The goals are their life,” said Conte, whose side visit sixth-place Everton on Sunday.
“But, for me, I’ve always said I’ve been pleased with his commitment, his work for the team. He always worked for the team.
“Sometimes he was unlucky in different circumstances, but I was always confident about him. After the Tottenham game, I said I’m sure he’s keeping his goals for the final weeks of the season.
“Now he must continue. He’s very important for us. His confidence is very important for us. He scored two very beautiful goals, good combination and technique between him and his teammates.”
Chelsea took a fifth-minute lead on a chilly evening in west London when Cesc Fabregas’s incisive pass found Costa, whose cut-back was swept home by Eden Hazard.
culled from http://www.supersport.com
