Conte predicts tough title fight

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte believes the battle for the Premier League title this season is ‘perhaps the most difficult one ever’.  The Blues rose to the summit with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough on Sunday, with the Londoners being closely pursued by Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham, while Manchester United are currently nine points off the pace in sixth place.

This Premier League season is perhaps the most difficult one ever.

Antonio Conte

And Conte, who took charge at Stamford Bridge in the summer, is expecting a tense few months ahead, with the Italian prepared for the difficult task of trying to remain top of the pile.

He told the Gazzetta dello Sport: “I am particularly happy for the players that we sit atop of the table at the moment. It is not only a reward for our hard work, but also shows that we are on the right path.

“It will not be easy to remain top of the table until the end of the season. This Premier League season is perhaps the most difficult one ever.

“We have to battle it out with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United. You do not have such excellence in any other league in the world.”

Chelsea are available at 5/2 to win the Premier League title this season, with Arsenal priced at 8/1 and Manchester City 7/4.

Meanwhile, Conte has spoken of his surprise at the fact that Victor Moses had become almost a forgotten man at the Bridge, with the Nigeria international having impressed in a right wing-back role for the Blues in recent games.

He added: “I could see his potential from the first days of the summer training camp. He has important qualities – technique, physical strength, the ability to cover 70 metres of the pitch.

“I find it incredible that someone like him has been underestimated.”

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Source: Bet365