Antonio Conte looked glum after Chelsea’s defeat to Crystal Palace. (Reuters)

Antonio Conte admits Chelsea have a ‘difficult’ task in overtaking Manchester City following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

The loss at Selhurst Park has left the Premier League champions nine points behind Pep Guardiola’s side, who thrashed Stoke City 7-2 at the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea are seven points behind Manchester United, who drew with Liverpool, but Jose Mourinho’s side

Asked if he is concerned by the points gap building between Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs, Conte told Sky Sports: ‘I think we have to go game by game.

Conte admits it will be difficult for Chelsea to catch Man City. (Reuters)

‘This season will be very difficult in all aspects, for this reason we must be focused game by game and try to do our best.

‘At the end of the season we’ll see what happens.

‘It’s important for us to understand, to have patience, to understand we are trying to build something important for the future.

‘We’ve changed a lot, the only words that I know in these circumstances is to work, work and work.

‘If you do your best, I think not one person can tell you something bad.’

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