Antonio Conte says Chelsea showed they can keep winning in the absence of Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante as Eden Hazard inspired a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth.

Pedro scored twice but it was Hazard, who netted with a penalty, who thrived in a central role as Costa and Kante served one-match suspensions and Chelsea won for a club-record 12th successive Premier League game.

"I think today we sent a good message," Conte said.

"A lot of people waited (to see if) without two really important players - Costa and Kante - we could lose points. It didn't happen."

Conte insisted he is not surprised by Hazard's ability and praised the Belgian's willingness to work for the team.

Heading to a title: Diego Costa of Chelsea (R) scores

The Italian added: "I'm not surprised because he has real talent. The most important thing is he's putting his talent in the team."

Should Chelsea beat Stoke on New Year's Eve, the Blues can equal Arsenal's record 14-game winning sequence at Tottenham on January 4.

Conte is "proud" of Chelsea's run, which has seen them score 28 goals and concede two, while keeping 10 clean sheets, but is adamant the finishing position in the table is all that matters.

"If you ask me, I hope to continue until the end of this season," said Conte, with a smile.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: N'Golo Kante of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on November 26, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

"For me it's important only for the table. With these 12 wins in a row we took 36 points and our table is fantastic now.

"I always thought that the record is not important if at the end you don't reach something important in your championship.

"But to be with my players, to have this record, for sure we are proud about this.

"Now we want to continue in this way. For sure it won't be easy."

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