Conte thrilled with quick-firing Chelsea strikers

According to the old adage, the early bird catches the worm, and Antonio Conte believes a lot of Chelsea’s early-season success is down to his quick-firing strikers.

No other Premier League team have managed as many as Chelsea’s four goals in the first 10 minutes of Premier League matches this season – with three Manchester City are second best.

The Blues managed another early strike on Sunday, as Eden Hazard’s powerful hit through Fraser Forster’s legs sent them on their way to a 2-0 victory over Southampton.

With four wins on the bounce in the league, Conte’s side have quietly worked their way up to fourth in the standings, and sit just one point off the teams at the Premier League summit.

And while Chelsea also preserved their clean-sheet run in the league throughout October, Conte believes his front men are reaping the rewards for their hard work.

“We scored the first goal early and it’s important to start the game very strong and go on to the pitch with the right concentration,” he said. “Above all when you know your opposition are strong and the atmosphere is incredible.

“When you see Eden and Diego [Costa], and Pedro, working very hard during the game, you are happy.

“They are strikers and usually it’s a bit difficult for the strikers to work for the team, but their commitment and work-rate is fantastic.

“Game by game, I am seeing a lot of positive things. I have confidence because we can still improve a lot.

“The only way we must continue is to work and don’t look at the table. Now it’s very difficult to talk about a prediction.

“Many games must pass, above all the first part of the season, then you can see if you can stay up and fight for the title.”