What pressure? Chelsea enjoy giant balls-up in training for Arsenal derby

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Standard Sport15 September 2017

If Chelsea are feeling the strain ahead of a key test of their Premier League title credentials against Arsenal, then they certainly aren't showing it.

Antonio Conte's champions started the season with a shock 3-2 home defeat against Burnley, but have won their last four games - three in the top flight and one in the Champions League - to set themselves up for Sunday's Stamford Bridge clash.

Conte is well known as a tough taskmaster in training, but his Chelsea squad were clearly enjoying themselves on Friday morning as they got to grips with a set of huge inflatable balls on the practice pitches at Cobham.

The Italian coach is no stranger to the odd joke, having creased up with laughter last month after discussing Diego Costa's future with the striker AWOL in Brazil.

Conte has often spoken of wanting to avoid a similar fate to Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese boss was sacked midway through the Blues' last title defence - and a little fun on the training ground may be a good way about keeping his squad onside.

Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea FC via Getty Images

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