Joe Cole delivers his verdict on Chelsea under Antonio Conte

Joe Cole has lavished praise on Chelsea for the strong start they have made to the season under Antonio Conte.

The Blues continued their fine form in the Premier League when they came from a goal down to beat Manchester City 3-1 at The Etihad last weekend to keep their place at the top of the table.

Chelsea have won their last eight games on the spin to leave them top of the table and three points clear of Arsenal after 14 games of the new season.

Conte has had a big impact since taking over at Chelsea over the summer following the club’s disastrous 10th-placed finish last season.

And former Chelsea midfielder Cole had nothing but praise for Chelsea and the impact Conte has had since taking over at the west London club.

Speaking in an interview with talkSPORT, Cole said: “They have been excellent [this season].

“With the benefit of not having European football, Antonio Conte has been able to get his philosophy across and the way he wants to play.

“You have seen them improve steadily from the start of the season and that result on the weekend was a real marker down in the title race. That is the first proper big game this season and you have to look at Chelsea being the favourites now.

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“If Chelsea would have got a point there, that would have been a great result. Man City really needed to win the game.

“Pep’s revolution might take a bit of time because of the European football – there isn’t enough time to work on the training pitch and get your messages across. With Conte he has had that time and he is doing a great job.

“The team looks like it has got personality and character again, which is important.”

Chelsea are currently gearing up for their home Premier League clash against West Brom this weekend.