Antonio Conte defended Alvaro Morata from criticism after Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Arsenal, offering a reminder that a striker can still play well even if he does not score.
Chelsea were held to a frustrating stalemate at home on Sunday, with Morata unable to add to his solid contribution of three goals and two assists in the Premier League.
Despite making a good start to life at Chelsea, some have suggested Morata needs to become a more impressive physical specimen, particularly after Sunday's draw.
But Conte dismissed any criticism aimed in the Spaniard's direction, insisting he is more than content with the striker's showing against Arsene Wenger's side.
"I don't know [if his physicality is a problem]," Conte said at his post-match media conference.
"In my opinion, Morata played a really good game.
"I'm very happy with his performance. In my opinion, for me, he played very well today. He had a lot of the ball and tried to send Willian, Pedro, our wing-backs [forward with his passes].
"He played a really good game. We are focused on whether the number nine scores or not.
"If he scored he played a good game, if he doesn't he didn't have a good game. But I was happy with his performance. We see different things."
'Manchester United look confused about what they're being asked to do - he's certainly not getting the best out of them., I wouldn't bet a single penny on them getting to the next round' Alan Shearer issues damning verdict of Europa League hopes
'Pardew showed me a video of Shearer’s goals. Control, bam! Control, turn, bam! I was stunned, then said, "Give me that shirt, I always take number nine"': Newcastle cult hero recalls making confident move upon signing for Magpies 13 years ago
