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MANCHESTER -- Antonio Conte insisted that Manchester City have the most quality in the Premier League despite seeing his Chelsea team win 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium to extend their winning streak to eight matches. An own goal from Gary Cahill gave City a deserved lead on the stroke of half-time but strikes from Diego Costa, Willian and Eden Hazard snatched another three points for Chelsea in a dramatic second half that ended in an ugly mass brawl, resulting in red cards for Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho. The result lifts Chelsea four points clear of City, who put their visitors under sustained pressure at the Etihad Stadium but failed to convert their chances, And, after the match, Conte insisted that he had seen enough to conclude that Guardiola's men will continue to be a huge title threat. "I think today was a very tough game and was open until the end," Conte told Sky Sports. "Many chances to score for City, many chances to score for us. Two good teams. I think that for sure Manchester City is the best team for quality in this league, and also [Guardiola] has a good idea of football. "Today I saw a lot of character from my players and good organisation, because in difficult moments we always stayed in the game. It's very important to grow in this aspect." Aguero faces an automatic four-match ban following his challenge on David Luiz, having been sent off for violent conduct once already this season, while City will also be without Fernandinho for at least three matches after the Brazilian became embroiled in an ugly altercation with Cesc Fabregas. Both men will miss City's home match against rivals Arsenal on Dec. 18; Chelsea do not face another top five opponent in the Premier League until they travel to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham on Jan. 4. "It's a pity when this time of situation happens, because Aguero is a fantastic player," Conte added. "It's difficult at the end of the game when you are losing sometimes to control yourself, but I think he's a really good player." Fabregas performed with distinction on his first Chelsea appearance since being substituted at half-time against Arsenal in September, setting up Costa's equaliser with a trademark long pass and, after the match, Conte praised the Spanish playmaker's contribution. "He played a good game," Conte said of Fabregas. "It wasn't easy. His last game was against Arsenal. Today he played a good game with good personality. I'm very happy, but I know that I can always count on him."
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