Chelsea were given a reality check on Saturday as Crystal Palace stunned the Blues. However, Antonio Conte and his charges appear to be taking it in their stride.
Chelsea did not start the home stretch as they would have liked. Crystal Palace stunned the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and boosted their bid for survival, winning 2-1. Due to Tottenham’s victory over Burnley, Antonio Conte’s men are now seven points ahead at the top of the Premier League. They are far from panic stations, though.
Speaking after the game, Conte reflected on a disappointing loss but emphasised that his mentality has not, and will not, change.
"Our pathway is always the same whether we win or lose. We will see the game together with positive and negative situations to try to improve. But I don’t change my mentality whether we win or lose. – via The Daily Telegraph"
The Italian has overseen a remarkable ascent from the Blues this season. Following the disastrous 2015/16 campaign, a rocky start has morphed into several months of domination. Chelsea had an opportunity to potentially go 13 points clear, but they instead find themselves back on Spurs’ radar.
Having taken the lead within five minutes, Chelsea seemed set for an easy day dispatching a relegation-threatened team. However, a quick double salvo from the visitors turned the tables. Despite unrelenting pressure, the Blues just couldn’t find the back of the net again.
With a game against Manchester City looming midweek and a clash with their neighbours still to come, some teams may start to feel the pressure. Conte, though, appears to have his emotions under control.
This is key for the squad. As the most visible representative of the club, the players will take lead from Conte. If he begins to stray from the energetic yet serene line that he has toed thus far, his charges could follow suit.
Diego Costa has also been exuding all the right vibes following the loss. Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Costa emphasised that the Blues must continue to look forward.
"Now is not the time to let ourselves down. We should keep our heads up and think ahead for the next game since it will be very important. – via Mirror"
While the press and Chelsea’s rivals will be eager to stir the pot, the Blues must just focus on what they have done so well for the last six months: winning. A seven point gap is still huge and there is no need to take up panic stations at this point.
Roll on Man City.