Chelsea must learn how to kill off games – Conte speaks after Sunderland win

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Chelsea must learn how to kill off games – Conte speaks after Sunderland win

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, has expressed his frustration over his team’s inability to kill off Sunderland, during their 1-0 win on Wednesday night.

The Premier League leaders dominated the encounter at the Stadium of Light, but only scored once through Cesc Fabregas in the first half.

Willian, Victor Moses and Diego Costa all had chances to add to Fabregas’ goal, but failed to score.

Sunderland almost grabbed a point right at the end, but Thibaut Courtois palmed away Patrick van Aanholt’s shot.

“When you have the possibility to kill the game you must kill the game. We had this possibility but we didn’t [kill the game] and at the end Courtois made a good save,” Conte said.

“It was good. It is important for the future because today we didn’t pay, but when you have the possibility to kill the game you must kill the game. I hope in the future we can improve.”

Conte also said he was delighted with his decision to play Fabregas ahead of Nemanja Matic, as they claimed their 10th consecutive win in the league.

He added: “Cesc is a good player for us. In the midfield I have four midfielders and it is important for me to evaluate the form of the single players, some games you need players [who are] more physical and some games with more technical [abilities]. It is important that Cesc had a good game.

“I prefer my players not to look at the table and to focus on the next game in three days. We must prepare very well to have a good Christmas.”