Antonio Conte: Alvaro Morata is not Chelsea’s only problem

Posted Monday, January 15, 2018 by squawka.com

Antonio Conte insists Chelsea‘s goal drought is not solely the result of Alvaro Morata's poor run of form.

The 25-year-old Spaniard has not scored for the Blues since the win over Brighton on Boxing Day, unable to find the net in his past five games.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have now recorded three straight goalless draws for the first time in their history.

Morata, the club's record signing, started the season well with 10 goals in 20 Premier League appearances but his recent record came under a magnifying glass when he missed three clear chances on goal in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates.

But Chelsea's goalscoring concerns seem to be a team issue and not just an individual one, according to Conte, as nobody from the side has managed to score in their last three matches.

The Italian has been quick to defend the Spanish international in recent weeks, saying: "I think the problem is for the team, not only for Morata.

"Compare last season and we are conceding less and showing great solidity defensively, but we are not showing great quality in our finishing.

"We have had chances to score but have not taken chances. We have to improve this aspect, but the problem is not only for Morata and [Michy] Batshuayi. We have to improve the finishing."

Chelsea were unable to take advantage of Leicester being reduced to 10 men in the second half on Saturday, Ben Chilwell having been booked twice after the interval.

Conte has also stated his players were suffering from fatigue, a result of the congested Christmas fixture list. The issue will not be helped by having to play an FA Cup replay at home to Norwich City this Wednesday.