Antonio Conte has praised Chelsea for finding a way through a tough West Brom challenge.

The Blues failed to reach their peak throughout the game, and for a large portion it appeared as though they would fail to make the break through.

But Diego Costa sent Stamford Bridge into raptures when he slammed beyond Ben Foster with less than 20 minutes remaining.

Conte , though, was pleased with his team for forcing the victory when it appeared that the three points were unlikely.

He said: "Yeah, it was very difficult. But we knew this. I spoke a lot in this week about this game. About the difficulty of this game.

"We faced a team very tough, a physical team. They are difficult to break down.

"But I am pleased, today we showed a great maturity, to find solutions, I am pleased.

"Another clean sheet, now it's important to think about the next game against Sunderland on Wednesday.

"It is important to be focused, it's an important period. This Christmas period is difficult for all the teams, it's important to get the win, to be focused. To play football with good intensity.

"I love to see my team fight in the same way as West Brom. But it wasn't easy."

The win put the Blues top of the Premier League, above rivals Arsenal, heading into the congested Christmas schedule.

It will have Chelsea fans dreaming of a title win after a disastrous previous season which saw them finish in 10th.

And Conte heaped the praise on Costa , who has been pivotal in the season so far.

"I am interested in three points for every game. It means that we can fight to be top of the table," he said.

Diego Costa celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mate Cesc Fabregas

"We've played only 15 games. We must continue.

" Diego (Costa) is showing great patience, he is showing me commitment, work rate, he is fantastic.

"It is important to continue this way. I am very happy for him.

"He can continue to improve his football, but I am satisfied with the work we are doing with him.

"For the players we can improve a lot, we can do this through work, work every day. For this reason I am satisfied with the work and commitment from my players.

"They showed me great application, commitment and concentration."