Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says he would be crazy not to be happy with lead at the top

Antonio Conte decided to look for positives on a day his Chelsea side missed the chance to go 12 points clear at the top of the table.

The Blues boss watched his team draw with Burnley 1-1 at Turf Moor on Sunday afternoon despite taking an early lead through Pedro.

And with Manchester City playing away to Bournemouth tomorrow evening, Chelsea could see their gap at the top reduced to eight points.

But Conte preferred to marvel at his side’s progress in what looks set to be a title winning debut campaign for the Italian.

“We are in a good position because we are at the top of the table,” Conte told talkSPORT.

“If you ask me: 'are you happy in this moment to be top of the table by eight or 10 points [at the start of the season]' - I would tell you, you are crazy!”

Robbie Brady’s stunning free-kick brought the Clarets level in the first half and frustrated the league leaders for large periods.

The newly promoted side remain undefeated at Turf Moor this season and Conte was eager to acknowledge the efforts of Sean Dyche’s men.

“I am not happy, we wanted three points. We try in every game to win but sometimes you find a really strong team [and] a really tough game.

“Today, the game was very tough for many reasons. But it’s a pity because we started very well; we created chances to score more goals - then it’s a good free-kick from them.

“In the second half we tried to score and to win the game. But it’s not easy to play here in Burnley. They took 29 points at home and it means they are a strong team at home.

“We tried to build from the back and play our football. But on the other side, Burnley tried to disrupt our football and to find these long balls, second balls, and they created chances.”