Antonio Conte has warned Alvaro Morata he must be “more clinical” despite scoring Chelsea’s winner against Manchester United.
Morata planted Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross beyond a rooted David De Gea to seal a 1-0 victory on Sunday, but should have at least doubled his tally and wrapped up the three points before full-time.
The Spain international was put through by Willian in injury time, but spurned the chance performing a faile cut-back as the ball rolled harmlessly into De Gea’s grasp.
The winning goal was Morata’s first strike in seven matches, however, and Conte was pleased with his forward’s display.
“Tonight Morata had a good game and showed he is strong physically and has good technique,” the Chelsea boss said.
“If I have to find a negative, he has to score more and be more clinical. But, step by step, having changed to a younger average age in the squad, it means we have to have patience and try to improve them.”
Morata arrived from Real Madrid in the summer and is enjoying his role as Chelsea’s lead marksman after playing limited roles at Real and Juventus before that.
The 25-year-old has never made more than the 16 League starts he was handed during his second season at Juve, but has already started nine League games in blue.
“When we talk about Morata this is the first season that he’s playing regularly,” Conte added. “In the previous seasons, he never played regularly. Now, for sure, he has to try to work, to improve.”
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