Antonio Conte: Chelsea must match Tottenham's title desire

Vaishali Bhardwaj9 April 2017

Antonio Conte believes Chelsea must match Tottenham's desire to win the Premier League this season if they want to beat their London rivals to the trophy.

Spurs cut Chelsea's lead at the top of the table to four points on Saturday after beating Watford 4-0 at White Hart Lane in the lunchtime fixture.

But Chelsea, playing later in the day at 5.30pm, followed the result up by defeating Bournemouth 3-1 at the Vitality Stadium to restore their seven-point lead over their fierce rivals.

Despite Chelsea managing to go back seven points clear of Tottenham on Saturday, Conte urged his players to remain focused and avoid letting complacency creep into their game lest Spurs pip them to the title.

"There are seven games to go, and we have a schedule that's not easy," the Italian said.

"But it's important to go game by game, in this case after our defeat against Crystal Palace, we played Manchester City, and we could drop points, and today we could drop points also.

"Instead we won both games. We have to continue in this way game by game, to be focused and to concentrate.

"Because for sure Tottenham has great desire to win the title. And we must have the same desire.

"Don't forget Tottenham last season fought for the title until the end and it means that Tottenham are a really good team.

"Last season Chelsea finished 10th and now we are on top of the table.

"Tottenham are stronger than last season, it's important we understand this."

In Pictures | Tottenham vs Watford | 08/04/17

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He added: "It wasn't easy to play this game after the win of Tottenham, but our reaction, our answer was very good.

"I like the pressure, if I don't see pressure I put pressure.

"Because I think under the pressure you get the best from yourself."

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