Conte praises Fabregas after Chelsea beat Man City
Antonio Conte praised the display of Cesc Fabregas after the midfielder helped Chelsea beat Manchester City.
Fabregas was handed a surprise start, only his second in the Premier League this season, due to the absence of Nemanja Matic.
The Spaniard has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in January but impressed as Chelsea won 3-1 at the Etihad.
“He played a good game – I know I can always count on him,” Conte told Sky Sports.
Diego Costa continued his impressive form with another goal as well as an assist, and was even a surprise peacekeeper as tempers flared late on in an incident which saw Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho sent off for City.
Speaking about the striker, Conte said: “Diego is showing he is using his passion in the right way and I’m very happy about that.”
The Chelsea manager added: “I think today was very tough and the game was open until the end. There were lots of chances for both teams to score.
“I saw lots of character from my team and that’s very important to grow. But we must continue to work and improve.”
City boss Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, defended Aguero’s challenge on David Luiz, and expressed his frustration at English referees after the game.