Antonio Conte will trust the professionalism of his Chelsea players if they decide to organise a Christmas party.

The Blues head into the festive period three points clear at the top of the Premier League having won their past nine league outings and travel to bottom side Sunderland on Wednesday night.

The trip to the Stadium of Light is Chelsea's first in a run of five fixtures in 21 days as head coach Conte goes into the Christmas period without a break for the first time in his career.

It has become standard practice for most football clubs to allow their players to let their hair down for a Christmas get together.

While Conte, who took charge at Stamford Bridge in the summer, is not going to stand in the way of his squad, the Italian believes he can put faith in their eagerness for success to override an infamous night out.

"I'm sure I have great professionals in my players," he said.

"In this case, I don't think a coach or a manager can say: 'Do this' or 'Don't do this'. I have great professionals and I know they will have the better attitude and behaviours in this situation.

"I must be honest, I'd prefer they stayed at home and celebrated with the family. Not have a great party. On the 26th we play the game.

"We are preparing to celebrate with our families during the week before Christmas, to stay together with our children, with our families."

The club will host a party for the players' children and Conte is keen for the Christmas period to be more about his squad spending time with their families.

"I think that Christmas is a particular day, and the best thing is to stay with your family," he said.

"It's important to celebrate Christmas, yes, in the right way.

"Because, then, the next day we will play against Bournemouth, a tough game. But I think that Christmas is right to celebrate with your family."

Conte may want his players to err on the side of caution with Christmas parties, but he will not stop them enjoying a solitary beer after a game.

Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Claudio Bravo - 5 out of 10 He was a victim of attacking excellence today, with three goals leaving him helpless between the sticks. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Nicolas Otamendi - 5 He failed to keep up with the pace of the Chelsea strike force, resulting in him lunging into unnecessary tackles. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings John Stones - 6 It was a shaky performance today, with the pressure of Costa and Hazard making him look uncomfortable in possession. He did improve as the game went on. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Aleksandar Kolarov - 6 Also struggled with the pace and power of Chelsea's front line today. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Jesus Navas - 5 Showed glimpses of excellence, but it was a relatively quiet performance by a man of his standards. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Fernandinho - 4 He battled well throughout and was a crucial part of the City midfielder. Was let down by his flaring temper and the resulting red card to finish. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Ilkay Gundogan - 6 His work rate was faultless, but he did not see enough of the ball and was quick to get rid of possession. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Leroy Sane - 6 Looked dangerous when moving forward with pace, but defensively there was room for improvement. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings David Silva - 7 Was a key element to the City attack, linked well with Aguero and created a number of chances – even if they did go unfinished. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Sergio Aguero - 5 He looked lethal in possession, but he did not see enough of the ball. Performance was fully let down by his late challenge on Luiz which saw him rightly dismissed. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Kevin de Bruyne - 6 His deliveries and playmaking was on point as always, but his open goal miss was appalling which could have seen a completely different end to the fixture. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Thibaut Courtois - 6 He had a relatively quiet afternoon, but reacted when required. He stopped a number of Aguero strikes. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Cesar Azpilicueta - 6 He did his job at the back – clearing the danger, maintaining possession and putting tackles in when it was required. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings David Luiz - 8 His ability to read the game made the difference at the back today. He dominated and defended bravely. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Gary Cahill - 5 His own goal was a defensive tragedy and he found himself a victim of the City strike force on more than one occasion. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Victor Moses - 6 It was a quieter performance than he is used to lately, but when he was on the ball his pace and power caused City problems. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Marcos Alonso - 6 He disappeared defensively, but going forward he created chances and worked well with Fabregas. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings N'Golo Kante - 6 He made himself known throughout to the City players, with a number of tough tackles and crunching challenges. He battled relentlessly. Getty Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Cesc Fabregas - 7 His assist for Costa’s goal was somewhat short of a miracle. Aside from that, he did his job in the middle of the park and was an astute replacement for Matic. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Pedro - 6 Looked particularly energetic at the start – chasing down possession and making runs. However, an injury saw him require an early exit just after half time. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Eden Hazard - 7 He was exceptional in possession, with speedy footwork and clever link-up play with Costa. His efforts were rewarded with a well finished goal to cap off the win. Manchester City vs Chelsea player ratings Diego Costa - 9 He bullied the City defence, particularly in the second half. His presence was shaking the City side and he hunted down possession like a predator.

Diego Costa was filmed by team-mate David Luiz having a drink after his match-winning performance in the 1-0 victory at West Brom on Sunday - and Conte has no problem with that.

"After the game, for rehydration, you can drink Coca-Cola, one beer," he added.

"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. I think a glass of wine, one, is good. Is good, yes. One glass of red wine is good."