Antonio Conte admits Chelsea did not have it all their way against AFC Bournemouth on Boxing Day.

The Blues won 3-0 to clinch their 12th straight Premier League win - a new club record - but it wasn't as simple as it seems on paper according to Conte.

"It wasn't easy," he said.

"We played against a good opponent. They tried to stop our runs, and they changed formation to play with three at the back, maybe for the first time. We must be prepared for this change.

"This game was very tough. I'm pleased because it isn't easy to win 12 in a row.

"The players deserved this. They are showing me great focus, concentration, attitude and behaviour. Also today to have two players from our Academy, (Nathaniel) Chalobah and (Ola) Aina, come on, is important."

Goals from Pedro and Eden Hazard, as well as an own-goal from Cherries defender Steve Cook, saw the Blues retain their seven-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.