Antonio Conte: I'm proud of my side

Antonio Conte admitted how proud he was of his side following their 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough at the Riverside stadium which sent them top of the Premier League.

The League’s top-scorer Diego Costa capitalised on a hesitant Middlesbrough backline when he stroked home from close-range in the 41^st minute before ‘Boro goalkeeper Victor Valdes produced two top-class saves to deny the Pensioners.

Middlesbrough could have levelled late on when former Manchester City forward Alfredo Negredo forced a great save from Thibaut Courtois after a superb spectacular effort.

The visitors held on to make it six wins on the bounce and manager Antonio Conte admitted his delight in his side’s performance.

"I am very proud but we must know we have to continue in this way." Conte told the BBC.

"I told the players we must start well after the international break and I think we had the right concentration to win a tough game.

"I knew this game would be difficult because this team is well organised and they are in good form. But we deserved to win because we scored the goal and created many chances for a second goal.

"The first five minutes wasn't good for us. Middlesbrough started very well and we started badly but during the game our possession got better and we started to move the ball quicker. Also we didn't concede and stopped any opportunity for them to score."

Despite being in such form and top of the table, the former Juventus coach was quick to remind his players that the league is not over after today’s tie.

"The league doesn't finish today but it's the first time we have lead this season.

"It's not going to be easy but we must be happy for our hard work and commitment. Now I will tell our team we have work to do."

Chelsea will look to make it seven straight wins when they host in-form Tottenham Hotspurs at Stamford Bridge on the 26^th of November while Middlesbrough will hope they can claim three points when they visit Leicester City on the same date.

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