HULL -- Chelsea manager Antonio Conte urged his players to build on their defensive improvements after only their second clean sheet of the season in a 2-0 win at Hull City.
Second-half goals from Willian and Diego Costa gave Conte the result he needed at the KCOM Stadium after successive Premier League defeats against top-four rivals Liverpool and Arsenal.
Speaking after the match, the Italian praised Chelsea's defensive progress, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois rarely troubled behind a new-look 3-4-3 formation.
"It can be a big change in the tactical aspect," Conte said of the shift to a three-man defence. "More than the system, what's important is the principles, then you can change. This week we've worked a lot. We must find the right way to be more compact.
"A clean sheet is important for confidence. We are working very hard and we must continue in this way."
Roman Abramovich was at Chelsea's Cobham training base this week to observe training and discuss the team's issues with Conte, although sources have told ESPN FC the Russian's intention was to support rather than supervise his head coach.
Conte said he was encouraged by his players' character, adding: "I'm pleased with the whole game, because in England no game is easy.
"Today I knew it would be very tough because we faced a team with a great spirit. I'm pleased with the performance, we played with the right intensity and with good pressure.
"We played a good game and kept a clean sheet for the second time. After two defeats it's never easy, but I'm pleased with the commitment and attitude.
"The team was always compact, and when we lost the ball we tried to win it back quickly. When the team work together, it makes it easier. To finish today with a clean sheet is very important."