Conte pleased after ‘important’ victory

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said his side picked up an 'important' three points after they beat Middlesbrough on Sunday to go to the top of the Premier League standings.

The Blues prevailed at the Riverside Stadium thanks to a strike from Diego Costa four minutes before the half-time break as the London club moved one point clear of Liverpool and Manchester City at the summit of the table.

The Chelsea mentor was pleased that his team took maximum points against a side that have already played to draws against City and Arsenal this season.

Conte told Sky Sports after the game: "It was very important. Today it was very important because these are tricky games. Now we have the week to prepare for a tough game against a strong team in Tottenham.

"It was a good performance against a very strong team, they drew with Arsenal and City, for this reason I am pleased with our performance.

"We played a good game, against good opposition, and created many chances to score the second goal. It's important to kill the game if you have chances because anything can happen from corners and crosses, but I am pleased."

Chelsea's next game in the Premier League is against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.