Antonio Conte saluted his Chelsea players desire after a record-equalling 13th Premier League win in a row against Stoke.
The Potters pushed Conte’s men hard, coming back to draw level twice before Blues, helped by Willian’s double, pulled away to win.
Conte stressed his side’s ability to find another gear in a difficult moment with their record under threat showed huge hunger.
“After their second goal, it was not easy to show the great reaction and the good character especially after 12 wins in a row because when you win a lot there is a great danger to be satisfied,” he said.
“There is a temptation to be relaxed and to think we won a lot in the past if we now have a draw or if we don’t win it is not important.
“But no, my players showed good will to fight and to make this great achievement for us.”
As well as the hunger to keep on winning, Conte believed his side’s seeing off of Mark Hughes men demonstrated an ability to adjust to a more direct style than they have faced in recent weeks.
“Today was another example of why this league is very tough,” he added.
“We faced a very good team who played the long ball and where it was very difficult to deal with the second ball.
“But I’m pleased because my players showed me they are able to adapt to a different way of playing and a different type of football.”
