It's been only about a month since Chelsea started employing the 3-4-3 system on the pitch, but given their performances in the Premier League, it seems as if the players have been playing in the current set-up for years on end.
Chelsea's quick adaptation to the once foreign tactic has much to do with the work of manager Antonio Conte, who saw his team come away from St. Mary’s with a 2-0 victory over Southampton. The Italian boss was very happy with the outcome, and his players’ efforts against a Saints side that had been unbeaten at home for 8 months.
"I'm pleased with the game. This is the fourth game we win without conceding a goal in a row. It's fantastic. The confidence increases. We can continue to work very hard."
"We knew [it] was a test against a strong side in good shape and form. It's important to win games like this. But that's the past and we must concentrate on the next game against a good team like Everton. But there is great satisfaction at the result and performance."
"We created many chances. It's the perfect game when strikers score and defenders don't concede. The players deserved this, they work hard in training. When you see this type of game and commitment from your players, it's fantastic for a coach."
-Antonio Conte; Source: BBC via FourFourTwo
With this result, Chelsea have remain only 1 point behind the top three teams of the Premier League, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. But it’s a long season and we must not get ahead of ourselves.
"Now it's early to answer and speak about title contenders, I repeat that we must work very hard to continue because this is the right way, but we can and must improve. After the first part of the season I can tell more about this run."
After last weekend’s controversy that came as a result of Antonio Conte urging the Chelsea fans to make some noise, the boss made sure to thank the traveling support, who where in fine voice throughout the night.
"We played against United and scored early as well, but when you play away it's different because the home support push the team, but our supporters were saying great things."
"They were fantastic from the first minute until the end. I want to say thank you to our support, from me and my players, because we won this game together - the players on the pitch, and the supporters as well."
-Antonio Conte; Source: Sky Sports
And together, greatness awaits us.
Forza, Chelsea!