Conte backs Morata after Chelsea win

Antonio Conte gave his backing to Alvaro Morata after Chelsea’s win at Burnley and insisted the striker was not taken off because he missed a great chance to score.

Victor Moses netted the Blues’ winner in a 2-1 victory at Turf Moor, where Morata shot woefully wide after being put through by N’Golo Kante shortly before the home side equalised.

But boss Conte was adamant it was not the reason Morata was replaced by Eden Hazard soon afterwards.

“No. Honestly. Around 70 minutes I thought it was better to put fresh strength on with Hazard,” Conte explained. “He has different characteristics to Morata.”

Morata played up front alongside Olivier Giroud and the pair combined well, but the Spaniard was clearly frustrated when he missed his chance.

“Alvaro must be angry, because when you have a chance to score you have to score and it can change your confidence,” Conte said.

“He was angry with himself but I see his whole performance. They (Morata and Giroud) did a great job, as did the whole team.”

The win maintained Chelsea’s slim chance of qualifying for the Champions League, closing the gap between them and fourth-placed Tottenham to five points.

Conte added: “It won’t be easy and we have to get three points every game.

“We have to try and for sure tonight I saw a great team spirit and a will to fight.”