Conte fully focused on silverware not Chelsea records

Manager Antonio Conte insists silverware rather than statistics are what is motivating his Chelsea side.

The Blues made it 13 league wins in a row on Saturday with a 4-2 victory over Stoke – equalling the record posted by Arsenal at the end of the 2001/02 season.

Conte’s side sit top of the table heading into the New Year and conceded two goals in a game for the first time since their 3-0 defeat to the Gunners all the way back in September.

But despite the eye-popping statistics, Conte insists he and his charges are focused on one thing and one thing only – re-claiming the Premier League crown they last held in 2015.

“Numbers are not important if you do not win the title,” he said.

(Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

“Now, they are fantastic and we are proud, but we must concentrate on the second part of the season.

“Congratulations go to my players. To win 13 games in a row in this league is very difficult.

“Stoke played very well. They hit long balls to Crouch and fought for the second ball. My players showed they can adapt to the different kinds of game we face. They showed great commitment, work-rate and will to win. I’m delighted for them.

“Now, it’s important to celebrate the arrival of the new year, then to think of the next game against Tottenham.”