Chelsea and Antonio Conte are on cloud nine at the moment.

Top of the table by three points and victorious in each of their last nine Premier League games, the Blues are in tremendous form and have emerged as early favourites to win the title.

And it’s because of Conte they find themselves in such a promising position, the Italian introducing a unique 3-4-3 formation since taking over that has dramatically improved Chelsea’s defence.

Indeed, they currently boast the joint-least goals conceded record in the Premier League: 11.

There’s a new-found energy and charisma about Chelsea, too, with Conte’s passion clearly rubbing off on the likes of Diego Costa and Eden Hazard.

He’s the sort of manager every player would love to play for, emphasised by the fact he allows his players to drink beer after games.

Yes, you’ve read that right: Chelsea players are allowed to drink alcohol.

It’s a refreshing, yet unusual, method of management that Conte has now explained, after footage emerged of Costa enjoying a cold one following the weekend’s 1-0 win over West Brom.

Ahead of Wednesday night’s game away to Sunderland, he said: “After the game, for rehydration, you can drink Coca-Cola, one beer.

“It’s good for recovery. But one. Not a lot. It’s good after you finish the game, quickly, not an hour after the end.”

Well, there you have it: Conte allows his players one beer after each game for “rehydration”.

They sure deserve it after their recent heroics on the football pitch, with no player arguably more deserving than Costa.

The Spaniard has five goals and three assists in his last six Premier League games, and finds himself top goalscorer on 12.

“Diego is playing a season in a fantastic way, because he’s showing great passion in the right way,” Conte added, per the Sun.

“That’s very important. I’m pleased for him, for Chelsea, for the fans.

“He’s very focused on the game, to play football and make all the right movements, attack the space – and that’s fantastic for him. I think also that he can improve.”