Continuity, or lack thereof, is something of a theme this season. One of the reasons the top of the Premier League is so intriguing is that three of the main contenders for the title (Man United, City and Chelsea) have new managers: not just men who have their own styles, but men whose styles contrast significantly with their predecessors.

That was certainly something Antonio Conte lingered on after Chelsea's nerve-calming 2-0 win over Hull City. The first weeks of the Italian's tenure at Stamford Bridge have been rather uneven, Saturday representing their first victory since August. Questions have been asked about their lack of defensive solidity, to the point that Conte almost seemed more pleased with the clean sheet (also their first since August) than the win.

Conte changed Chelsea's system to a three-man defence on Saturday, and while Hull's attack didn't exactly provide the sternest of tests, the players did at least show they could cope with the formation he often deployed to great success with Juventus and Italy..... ‹‹‹ read more ››› www.sportblitznews.com