“I think the team played a good game with a great intensity and spirit”, said Conte. Let’s take a look.
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Thibaut Courtois just about managed to deal with a free-kick into the box but was aided by the official, who signaled a foul.
Adrian got down well to keep out Willian as Conte’s men attempted to put the result beyond doubt, while Bilic finally introduced Payet for the last 23 minutes with the visitors still seeking their first shot on target. Unlike last time, though, he will need to make sure that he impresses as Conte will have no problems with dropping him should the situation warrant it.
Jurgen Klopp has been extremely busy in the transfer market reshaping his squad and fans have urged the German coach to bring in another left-back to compete with the often-criticised Alberto Moreno with Hector seemingly on his radar. New boy N’Golo Kante has done well, though that slightly harsh early yellow card could be problem later on. Hazard and Nemanja Matic tried to set up a combination after a poor pass from Adrian.
The omission of Cesc Fabregas will raise some eyebrows.
Kante now goes into the book having been dispossessed by Carroll, and the Frenchman subsequently drags West Ham’s No. 9 down from behind. The Italian has some breathing space insofar as this season can not possibly be as bad as previous year, going from champions to midtable in just a few short months, but he will still be expected to challenge for the title. Eden Hazard will be desperate to rebound strongly on the wing after crashing to Earth over the last 12 months.
He starts on the flank as Valencia takes the other spot on the wing.
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Conte threw on Pedro, Michy Batshuayi and Victor Moses in the closing stages and was ecstatic when his alterations paid dividends.
