Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says he was delighted with his side’s performance against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday.

The Blues secured a 2-0 victory over the Saints in the Premier League, with goals by both Eden Hazard and Diego Costa to collect all three points on the road.

The 47-year-old says he was satisfied with his side’s commitment and work rate on and off the ball against the Saints.

‘I’m delighted, for sure,’ Conte told the Chelsea website.

‘I saw a lot of positive things, above all because we played against a strong team also in a good moment of form. To come here and win wasn’t easy, I said that on Friday.

‘I’m pleased with the commitment and work rate. The players worked very hard during the game with and without the ball. This is the right way to reach great satisfaction in this championship.’

Conte believes the Blues’ confidence is increasing after keeping four consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League, but insists that his side has to keep working hard to improve their performance.

‘We created many chances, and also for four games we have kept clean sheets. It means our confidence is increasing. The players deserve this. I see them every day, the way they are working,’ he said.

‘It’s important to arrive at this type of result because they can trust the work more, but we know the road is long and it’s important to continue to work very hard to improve.

‘It wasn’t an easy game today, but to stay close to first place is good. It gives us great confidence.’