Antonio Conte believes no one thought Chelsea would top the table before the start of the season as he looks to continue motivating his side to maintain top spot.

The Italian arrived in the summer following the worst title defence in the Premier League’s history and endured a frustrating summer in the transfer market.

The thriving N’Golo Kante arrived from Leicester City but other primary targets were missed by the west London outfit.

However, Conte has highlighted the “right balance” that he and the team have found that has allowed them to embark on a record equalling run of results that has put them six points clear.

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He said: “If I go with my mind at the start of the season, not one person thought or forecast that Chelsea would stay top of the table, for many reasons. Because the squad was the same as last season's. Because our market wasn't a great market.

“But I think, in these situations, we found the right balance. The right balance. Me and my players and the club.

“Yeah, to try to change the opinion, to try and change the idea of the people. And to try and have a good season.”

Conte encouraged his team to continue applying what he called “the right pressure” as they look to convert Christmas number one status for the fourth time.

He was also keen to point out that – despite a lacklustre campaign last time out- many of his players, and himself were accustomed to occupying top spot in the league table.

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He added: “Now we are only half way through the season. Or, rather, two games away from half way through.

“So, for this reason, we must have the right pressure. These players, in the past, have had the habit of staying top of the table. It's not the first time for me or my players”

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