Diego Costa’s late victor left boss Bilic frustrated his West Ham side could not hold on for a point after James Collins’ equaliser, before the former Croatia defender turned his attentions to his squad’s injury issues.
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Diego Costa’s controversial late victor handed Antonio Conte victory on his first Premier League match at the Chelsea helm.
But the 27-year-old had been fortunate to still be on the pitch when, having already been booked for remonstrating with the referee, he escaped a second booking when he caught Hammers keeper Adrian high up on the shin with a late challenge.
“I don’t know what he (the referee) wanted to do, but he didn’t give it and that’s it”.
New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte began life in England on a positive note, as his side eked out a hard-fought win over their West London rivals West Ham.
“It was fantastic and I have to say thanks to the Chelsea fans because the welcome was fantastic”, the Italian boss said after the win which saw him celebrate wildly with the crowd.
“The team played a good game with great intensity and good spirit”, Conte told Sky Sports.
West Ham’s player James Collins, about the 77th minute, equalized in the second half of the game.
Interestingly, he left Cesc Fabregas from his match-day lineup, which raised a few eyebrows, after the Spaniard played a vital role in the team’s success two seasons ago.
“The first game in the season is always important”.
“It’s not every year I score in my first game”.
“In this situation, I think the referee took the right decision”. You know Diego is a passionate man and he puts passion in everything he does.
“But I repeat I don’t see any problem and I’m very happy to have these players, to train these players”.
“The way we started and ended last season wasn’t good enough by our own standards”.
“I chose Chelsea because I spoke with the manager here and when I did that, I realised the capacity of the manager and that is why I made my decision”, Kante said.
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“And he showed he will run for everything”.
