Antonio
Conte is optimistic next year can be even better than this one after Chelsea
finished 2017 by hammering Stoke 5-0 at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues won the title in May and reached the FA Cup final, but their hopes
of defending their Premier League crown look all-but over given Manchester
City's blistering form this term.
The gap now stands at 13 points, with City still to play Crystal Palace on
Sunday, after Chelsea dispatched Stoke thanks to goals from Antonio Rudiger,
Danny Drinkwater, Pedro, Willian and Davide Zappacosta.
Chelsea remain in contention in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League
and boss Conte is therefore optimistic for the year ahead.
"This was a fantastic year," the Italian said. "To win the title in England
is not simple. To be able to do this at your first chance, I will remember
this year in my mind forever.
"But we are still involved in the Carabao Cup where we play against Arsenal.
Last year we were eliminated in the second round against West Ham.
"At the same time we reached the final of the FA Cup and it won't be easy to
repeat this. In February we restart the Champions League against Barcelona.
I think we have a lot of great games to face."
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