Antonio Conte insists Chelsea are a 'different team' to two months ago ahead of Manchester City test

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Sam Long29 November 2016

Antonio Conte has warned Manchester City that Chelsea are a "different team" compared to two months ago ahead of this weekend's clash between the two sides.

Chelsea's title credentials were widely questioned following back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Chelsea in September, which saw the Blues fall eight points Pep Guardiola's men.

But Conte's side have been in superb form since switching to a 3-4-3 formation and are one point clear at the top of the table following Saturday's 2-1 victory over London rivals Tottenham.

The Italian coach expects a difficult test at the Etihad Stadium but is adamant he has reason to be confident given the changes he has overseen among his players in recent weeks.

"It’s a big test because Man City are a fantastic team, but Saturday was a good test for us,’ Conte told Chelsea's official website.

"Now we are a different team to two months ago. It would have been very difficult to win the Tottenham game if we were the same team as two months ago.

"I love the mentality of my players, I saw a great attitude and great commitment from all of them.

"I see the will to change something from the past, now it’s important to continue," he added.

Chelsea have grown used to leading from the front during their run of seven consecutive Premier League victories.

But new questions were asked of the Blues after falling behind to Christian Eriksen's strike at the weekend and Conte was delighted with how the Chelsea crowd - as well as his players - responded to the setback.

"It’s important for our fans to live the game with great intensity and passion because they can transfer this to the players.

"Stamford Bridge is perfect if we are able to create the right atmosphere, it’s really important for us," Conte insisted.

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