Antonio Conte says he takes full responsibility for Chelsea's poor first-half performance against Southampton but admitted he was delighted at his side's 3-2 comeback victory on Saturday.

Chelsea, who came into their game at St Mary's having only won three Premier League matches in 2018, suffered a nightmare first hour against relegation-battlers Southampton after they conceded two goals.

Conte reacted quickly to his team's struggles by replacing Alvaro Morata for Olivier Giroud a minute after the Saints' second goal, which paid off as the Frenchman netted twice as another goal from Eden Hazard saw the visitors go on to win the game 3-2.

Conte said afterwards that Chelsea did not show the right spirit in the first half and, despite taking the blame for how his team started the afternoon, expressed his happiness at the turnaround from the champions.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Italian said: "We didn't show great spirit...our first half was very negative.

"In the second half, I saw the right desire to win this game.

"I'm very disappointed for the first half, but I'm happy for the second. I'm the first to take the fault for that first half."

Speaking then to reporters at St Mary's, Conte added: "For sure in every moment of the game you must think positive and that you can come back despite the score being 2-0 down.

"I must be honest and I was very angry with our first half because we did not show great desire, great will to fight and will to play in the right way.

"After the first half I was very disappointed but I am the coach and if the desire is not right and we cannot fight in the right way, I am the first person to take responsibility.

"In the second half we showed great character and reaction and desire to win the game. We showed the right fire in our eyes and I am pleased with the second half. It is not important to win, lose or draw, what is important is to show great intensity and will to fight to the end."