Conte warns Spurs will not give up

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte hailed his players after their 3-1 victory at Bournemouth but warned they can expect to be pushed all the way by Tottenham in the title race.

Spurs cut Chelsea’s lead at the top of the Premier League by thrashing Watford 4-0 earlier in the day.

But Chelsea responded by restoring a seven-point advantage by winning at Dean Court, where Marcos Alonso sealed their triumph with a brilliant second-half free-kick.

“We have to continue in this way game by game, to be focused and to concentrate,” said Conte.

“For sure Tottenham has great desire to win the title and we must have the same desire.

“Don’t forget Tottenham last season fought for the title until the end and it means that Tottenham are a really good team .

“And Tottenham are stronger than last season – it’s important we understand this.

“When you play after your opponent and you see them very close it’s normal that it can bring a bit of pressure. I like the pressure. Pressure brings the best out of you.

“It wasn’t easy to play this game after a win for Tottenham, but our answer was very good.”

Chelsea were ahead within 20 minutes after Eden Hazard doubled their lead following Adam Smith’s own goal.

Josh King pulled one back for the hosts and they caused Chelsea problems before Alonso’s superb strike.

“We started the game very well, with great concentration and focus,” said Conte.

“It was a pity to concede a goal and we suffered I think, but in the second half we managed the game very well.

“We scored another goal and could have scored more against a really good team with good organisation, so we must be pleased.”