MARCOS ALONSO REVEAL THE SECRET TO HIS RECENT GOAL SCORING RECORD

The Spanish defender got a goal and assist in Sunday FA Cup win over Newcastle United, taking his tally this season to a career-best of seven goals. The 27-year-old found the net against the Magpies with another fine free-kick, and he has revealed under-fire Conte is behind his impressive flurry of strikes this term. “The gaffer always wants bodies in the box”, Alonso told Chelsea TV. “If I can get there and then get back to defend, I try to be in a position to score." Alonso has become a key player for the Blues this season, but while a number of other first-team players were rested against Newcastle, Kenedy's recent loan move to Newcastle meant the Spaniard was required to play. Kenedy's exit suggests a left-sided player will arrive before Wednesday's transfer deadline, with Roma's Emerson Palmieri linked, but it the meantime Alonso is happy to play as many games as he can for the team. “There is no-one else - I had to play,” he added. “I’m always happy to play, to be involved as much as I can."