Friday 13 January 2017 14:13, UK
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has been named Premier League manager of the month for December, his third win on the bounce.
The Blues won all six of their league matches during the final month of 2016 as part of a 10-match winning streak which took them to the top of the table.
That run came to an end on January 4 with a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
“This award shows we’re working very well,” Conte said. “December was a great month for us. It was important for the table and for our confidence.”
Chelsea began December with an impressive and potentially significant 3-1 win at Manchester City in an ill-tempered game which saw Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho sent off for the home side.
Successive 1-0 victories then followed over West Brom, Sunderland and Crystal Palace, before a 3-0 Boxing Day win over Bournemouth.
Conte’s side wrapped up 2016 with a 4-2 defeat of Stoke City at Stamford Bridge, a result which put them five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
That gap remains after the defeat at Tottenham, and Conte’s work with the team has been recognised with the award for December’s top boss.
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