Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says he was pleased with his side’s determination to collect three points, following their 4-2 win over Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. 

The Blues went seven points clear at Stamford Bridge when a brace by Eden Hazard, Gary Cahil all got on the scoresheet, while former Chelsea players Oriol Romeu and Ryan Bertrand were on target for the Saints.

The 47-year-old says he was pleased with the win, despite playing two matches within the space of three days, following their FA cup semi-final triumph over Tottenham Hotspur.

‘The most important thing is to look at ourselves, tonight was a big win for us,’ Conte told the Chelsea website.

‘Above all, when you have to play two-and-a-half days after a really strong game, then we reached the final of the FA Cup. Now for us it’s very important to try to fight and try to win the title.

‘It wasn’t easy, we faced a very strong team who were rested for 10 days. They had no pressure, so you can enjoy these type of games when you face the team who are top of the league.’

The Italian manager has stressed the importance of finishing the Premier League season on a high note with the title race still open, despite reaching the FA Cup finals.

‘My players showed me a great will and desire to win the game. It’s important to rest tomorrow and prepare for another tough game at Everton.

‘I think we have had a really important test and our answer was very good, so for this reason I must be pleased.

‘We must think the race is open. We reached the final of the FA Cup, but the league is totally open. We are ready to fight until the end and we must be proud of what we are doing this season. It’s normal we have to push to try to keep this position until the end.’

Chelsea will be hoping to continue their winning ways when they take on Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.

The match at Goodison Park kicks off at 15:05.