In another development, Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, has extolled the Gunners’ character after Olivier Giroud’s treble inspired rampant Arsenal to reach last 16 of the league.
Advertisement
A 2-0 victory over Porto on Wednesday, secured by Ivan Marcano’s early own goal and Willian’s second-half strike, ensured Chelsea avoided the embarrassment of dropping into the Europa League – and instead advanced as Group G winners.
The Blues want to translate the vastly improved showing into the Premier League and Costa is keen to play his part after being dropped by Jose Mourinho, with Eden Hazard deployed as a “false nine” against Tottenham and Bournemouth. I think we are going in a good direction in terms of the performance of individuals and team consistency – but obviously we need results.
Oscar impressed, Diego Costa forced the opening goal and there seemed a greater appetite to Chelsea ‘s play against a Porto side unbeaten in their previous five away games in this competition.
“We are disappointed about the result”.
“But when we won in Porto in 2004 we were not candidates”.
Mourinho needs more from Diego Costa, the misfiring Spain striker who played a key role in the opening goal against Porto but generally looked desperately short of confidence.
“He could have scored two or three goals today”, he said.
“Every team finishing second wants to play us or Zenit St Petersburg”, the Portuguese added.
Mourinho said the 28-year-old England global could succeed anywhere, although his direct style would be tested.
Many Chelsea fans will be hoping that Costa can replicate the goal-scoring form he showed during his first season at Stamford Bridge and help them climb back up the table. He scored 27 goals as his side fended off both Real Madrid and Barcelona to claim the La Liga title.
Advertisement
Such is Chelsea’s demise this season that it is 17 points behind Premier League leader, Leicester City, which it plays on Monday. “I’m sure he’s the right man to continue here at Chelsea”, he said. “He is a very important player for us but as to whether he is back to his very best, you must ask him because only he knows how he feels”.
