Conte: Players Deserve Credit  (Sky Sports)

Antonio Conte insists his Chelsea players deserve credit after their 1-0 win at Crystal Palace extended their winning run to 11 games.

Diego Costa's 44th-minute header handed the Blues a club record-equalling 11th straight win as they moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Conte says his side's winning run is down to the hard work and commitment of his players.

"It's another win and I think we deserved the victory," Conte told Sky Sports. "We played with a great concentration.

"I'm pleased with the commitment from my players. We deserved to win. We scored the goal and then we created chances to score another one. It wasn't easy.

"To win our 11 games in a row it's fantastic and I'm pleased for my players because they deserve this. I see every day their commitment, their work rate in training, how they live the game and it's fantastic."

When asked about the reasons for his side's winning run, the Italian said: "I think the most important thing is we are a team.

"We are a team in every moment of the games. When we have to suffer, we suffer together. When we have to play football, we play good football. I hope to continue to work in this way to improve."

Chelsea's win was slightly soured by key players Costa and N'Golo Kante picking up their fifth yellow cards of the campaign, meaning both will miss the Boxing Day game against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge

Conte, who praised Costa's performance, is disappointed that his in form striker will be unavailable.

"Diego is playing very well," Conte added. "He's playing for the team and that's the most important thing for us.

"I'm pleased for him, for his team-mates and also for our fans. They are pushing a lot during the game and we are happy to give them this satisfaction.

"He didn't deserve the yellow card today, I must be honest, but against Bournemouth we have eight days to find a different solution.

"For me, this can be an opportunity to see other solutions or other ideas. But, if you ask me if I'm disappointed to lose him and Kante, yes I'm disappointed."