Conte's surprise at Chelsea lead

Antonio Conte's first few months as Chelsea manager could hardly have gone any better as his team heads into the Christmas period six points clear at the Premier League summit.

The Blues host Bourne-mouth at Stamford Bridge today seeking a 12th consecutive league victory, which would leave them two wins short of equalling Arsenal's all-time top-flight record.

After an inconsistent start, Conte has made his mark on the west London club and, while he accepts the extent of Chelsea's recent success has been unexpected, he said it is fully merited.