Antonio Conte has not had to deal with defeat often in an outstanding first season as Chelsea manager - and none carrying the significance of the loss at Manchester United.
The Italy global said: "I think Marcus is a great player".
He points out Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, and Cesc Fabregas as the players responsible for hinging the season for Chelsea as they continue to challenge for the Premier League title.
"It is very simple but in this case the fault is of the coach".
"It won't be easy because I think Tottenham now are the best team and they are in great form and they have a lot of enthusiasm".
The Blues barely managed an attack of note and a second defeat in their last four league games leaves them clinging to a four-point lead over second placed Tottenham, who had piled on the pressure with a 4-0 rout of Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Spaniard supplied a superb assist for Marcus Rashford after just seven minutes before doubling his side's lead soon after half time with a thunderous deflected strike.
But in a pointed reference to Chelsea's struggles last season under Jose Mourinho, now the United manager, he said his team's quest for the title deserved to be considered a "miracle".
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So, according to Conte, we have a Chelsea side lacking motivation and a Tottenham team that are the best in the country and with a chance of glory.
After next Saturday's FA Cup tie against Spurs Chelsea will still have six league games to play for with the title race looking more interesting than ever now.
The defeat threw the title race wide open with the Blues now just four points ahead of in-form Tottenham, having been 13 points clear following victory over Stoke on the 18th March.
"The second reason is they are the leader".
United, whose leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic started on the bench, were rewarded for a vibrant display when they struck again in the 49th minute.
This season, Thibaut Courtois has been a vital piece in Chelsea's solid defense keeping more clean sheets (13) than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League.
"We all know the next game and how you go for the final or you don't go and for this reason, you must put 200 percent to reach the final", he said.
As for United, it's now an incredible 22 league games unbeaten and there is a sense that it could yet pip Manchester City or Liverpool to a spot in the top four.
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