Conte stands by Pedro decision

Antonio Conte said the decision to select Pedro to replace the injured Victor Moses in the home defeat against Crystal Palace was in keeping with Chelsea’s attacking intentions.

The Blues boss has converted Moses from a winger to a wing-back this season and the Nigeria international has been one of the team’s outstanding performers.

Palace seemed to target Pedro’s flank during their shock win at Stamford Bridge, which has seen Chelsea’s Premier League lead cut to seven points.

But Conte stood by his like-for-like selection.

“Victor Moses is an important player for us because he is playing a good season, but I think Pedro played very well in the position at wing-back,” the Italian said.

“They are more offensive. This shows we always play football and try to win every game. Pedro played a really good game.”

Conte said it was now vital his side refocus for next week’s home game against fellow title chasers Manchester City.

“We have to play on Wednesday and we all know the strength of this team, but now the most important thing is to rest and recover very well,” Conte added.

“You can see against Palace that every game will be tough from now until the end, if it is Manchester City or a team fighting in the relegation zone.”