Alonso brace boosts Chelsea to win 2-1

AFP, LONDON: Premier League champions Chelsea got the boost they badly needed on Sunday as a double from Marcos Alonso gave them a 2-1 victory over last season's runners-up Tottenham Hotspur in Antonio Conte's 50th game in charge.

The 26-year-old Spaniard struck the winner with less than three minutes remaining in an impressive show of character by Chelsea, after they had been pinned back when substitute Michy Batshuayi headed into his own net eight minutes from time.

“This was the perfect response of champions,” Conte told Sky Sports.

“I am very pleased with the will to fight for every ball and they showed me the desire of last season is still there.”

While the three points get Conte's side off the mark -- the perfect riposte to their shock opening 3-2 defeat at home to Burnley -- newboys Huddersfield Town made it two wins from two to sit just below leaders Manchester United on six points.

The Terriers, only the third promoted side to ever win their opening two games, beat Newcastle 1-0 with impressive Australian Aaron Mooy scoring the only goal, a delightful curling effort in the second half.

At Wembley, Alonso opened the scoring with a brilliant free-kick in the 24th minute, and while Tottenham pressed hard for the equaliser, Conte's side were unfortunate not to get a second when Willian struck the post in the second half.

It looked as if Conte would have to read more negative headlines on Monday as Batshuayi, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, headed Christian Eriksen's free-kick past Thibaut Courtois.

Alonso, though, once again rescued his team by latching onto Pedro's pass and firing past Hugo Lloris, although the Spurs keeper should have saved.

“Unbelievable and at the end in front of our own fans. It couldn't be better,” said Alonso, who hopes to emulate his grandfather and father in playing for Spain.

“As for the free-kick, I don't score those even in training let alone a match normally!” added Alonso, who was the last Chelsea player to score an away double having done so at Leicester in January.

Alonso brace boosts Chelsea to win 2-1

AFP, LONDON: Premier League champions Chelsea got the boost they badly needed on Sunday as a double from Marcos Alonso gave them a 2-1 victory over last seasons runners-up Tottenham Hotspur in Antonio Contes 50th game in charge. The 26-year-old Spaniard struck the winner with less than three minutes remaining in an impressive show of character by Chelsea, after they had been pinned back when substitute Michy Batshuayi headed into his own net eight minutes from time. This was the perfect response of champions, Conte told Sky Sports. I am very pleased with the will to fight for every ball and they showed me the desire of last season is still there. While the three points get Contes side off the mark -- the perfect riposte to their shock opening 3-2 defeat at home to Burnley -- newboys Huddersfield Town made it two wins from two to sit just below leaders Manchester United on six points. The Terriers, only the third promoted side to ever win their opening two games, beat Newcastle 1-0 with impressive Australian Aaron Mooy scoring the only goal, a delightful curling effort in the second half. At Wembley, Alonso opened the scoring with a brilliant free-kick in the 24th minute, and while Tottenham pressed hard for the equaliser, Contes side were unfortunate not to get a second when Willian struck the post in the second half. It looked as if Conte would have to read more negative headlines on Monday as Batshuayi, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, headed Christian Eriksens free-kick past Thibaut Courtois. Alonso, though, once again rescued his team by latching onto Pedros pass and firing past Hugo Lloris, although the Spurs keeper should have saved. Unbelievable and at the end in front of our own fans. It couldnt be better, said Alonso, who hopes to emulate his grandfather and father in playing for Spain. As for the free-kick, I dont score those even in training let alone a match normally! added Alonso, who was the last Chelsea player to score an away double having done so at Leicester in January.