Antonio Conte has admitted that Chelsea's start "wasn't good enough" against Newcastle United but was happy to see his side rally for a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Dwight Gayle's poked effort gave the Magpies a surprise lead in the 12th minute, but Eden Hazard struck back with an angled strike nine minutes later.
Alvaro Morata then edged the Blues ahead in the 33rd minute before Hazard wrapped up the points with a second-half chipped penalty after Matt Ritchie had fouled Victor Moses in the area.
"I think our start wasn't good enough," Conte told Sky Sports News. "After going 1-0 down, we started to play with good intensity and good football. Our start was a bit slow.
"We did well after only two days' rest. It was a solid performance despite the goal. We showed good motivation and good intensity. I made rotations in the game and the response of my players was positive.
"I think that today, to play and win after two days of rest means a lot. Newcastle had the advantage with one day more of rest."
The win puts third-placed Chelsea level on points with second-placed Manchester United in the Premier League table.
Giuseppe Labellarte
