Chelsea will open their Premier League account by hosting West Ham on Monday night, with former Italy boss Conte itching to get to grips with his new challenge at Stamford Bridge.
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Eden Hazard scored the first goal for Chelsea in the 47th minute through a penalty kick, while James Collins equalized for West Ham in the 77th minute.
Slaven Bilic has talked up West Ham’s financial muscle in the transfer market, claiming the Londoners can now compete with the Premier League’s elite for players. And I think that Diego can improve still a lot. Last season is finished. “To have a great spirit and players with a great talent to put themselves in the team”.
“We know we can improve, but today it was very important to get the victory”.
But Chelsea were awarded a penalty within a minute of the start of the second half as Michail Antonio bundled into the back of Cesar Azpilicueta.
N’Golo Kante impressed on his league debut for Chelsea, snuffing out the bulk of West Ham’s attacks, and midfielders Oscar and Nemanja Matic worked hard to dominate midfield. Michy Batshuayi also entered the fray with five minutes left to play, but shockingly, Conte took off Hazard to introduce Victor Moses.
A cagey first-half yielded just two saves in total, West Ham stopper Adrian holding firm for both Branislav Ivanovic’s near-post nudge and Willian’s curling free-kick.
The striker saw his goal-scoring touch gradually decrease in the first half of the season under Jose Mourinho and was dropped from the team by the current Manchester United manager.
“Diego is a forward and he knows that, in my idea of football, the forward must be a point of reference for the team”, Conte said.
“It is very important for us to get off to get off to a good start”, Terry told Sky Sports News.
Willian and Eden Hazard, who is targeting a fresh start, following his poor season last term, will be in support of Costa. A draw rings in at 4.00, but my prediction is a Blues win at 2-0 to start the year.
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Monday’s showing was far from flawless, but the work rate Conte demands from his players was already on full display, and his energy was felt throughout the stadium.
