Conte praises Batshuayi after Chelsea win

Antonio Conte praised Michy Batshuayi after the striker scored twice in Chelsea’s win against Arsenal in China.

Having struggled to establish himself following his move from Marseille, Batshuayi ended last season in fine goalscoring form, netting four times in Chelsea’s final three league matches – including the winner at West Brom which clinched the title.

And the Belgian picked up where he left off as Chelsea opened their pre-season campaign by beating the Gunners 3-0.

“Last season it was a difficult season for Michy but don’t forget he scored a very important goal to give us the title,” said Blues boss Conte.

“I think last season he had a bit of difficulty because it is not easy to play in the Premier League. It is a physical league and a very strong league.

“After one year he is working very well and he is improving. He is a young player with great potential.”

Meanwhile, Pedro was taken to hospital to be assessed after he was taken off with a bloodied face following a first-half collision with Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina.

“He should be okay,” said Conte, whose team play Bayern Munich in Singapore on Tuesday.