Antonio Conte admitted his Chelsea side were not at their best in their 2-0 win over Hull but stressed, again, that the Premier League is a difficult competition.

The Blues laboured to a hard fought win over the Tigers as goals from Diego Costa and Gary Cahill sent the west Londoners eight points clear at the Premier League summit.

The gap widened after Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool all dropped points at the weekend, with the Reds suffering a shock 3-2 defeat to Swansea.

Conte said: “For sure, this game wasn't our best game but I think it's normal. We are in the second part of the season and the points now are heavy for us but also for the other team.

“Today, the points were very heavy for Hull City as they're in the relegation zone. I think we faced a good team in good form with good organisation.

“They changed the system to play against us but, after this weekend, you can see that when I say this league is very difficult it's the reality.

Goal: Diego Costa

“This weekend, a lot of our opponents this weekend but I'm pleased it's not easy to play the last game of the weekend and to know the result of the other teams.”

Chelsea are runaway favourites to win the Premier League title and bookies will soon start paying out early on that outcome.

Conte added: “In my career, I win a title with seven points four games before the end. There are 16 games to play and I think me, my players, we have a good experience to understand that this league will be very tough until the end.

“To win this game and exploit the situation with other teams dropping points but I'm sure this league will be very tough until the end. To stay in this position is fantastic. I think nobody thought we would be here.”

Ouch: Ryan Mason

The Italian was also quick to wish Ryan Mason well after the Hull midfielder was stretchered off after an accidental collision with Gary Cahill. The former Spurs man is currently being checked out in hospital.

He added: “First of all, I want to say everyone at Chelsea wishes Ryan Mason the best. It was a bad accident with Gary.

“At the start, Gary wasn't really good but he decided to continue. It was very bad, this accident. Everyone at Chelsea hopes to see Ryan back on the pitch very soon.”

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