The game looked set to end in a draw, before Chelsea’s Spanish striker Diego Costa slotted home the victor, giving new boss Antonio Conte a flawless start to his Chelsea career.
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He then handed Conte the ideal start to his Premier League career at Stamford Bridge, by scoring late on to seal a 2-1 victory for Chelsea over their London rivals. He must know when you are at a great team like Chelsea I have to take decisions before the game, to choose a starting 11. “Good spirit is important, we know we can improve and we must improve a lot, but today I am pleased with the attitude of the players”.
‘I want to say that Kante was a target, and for this reason I am very happy that the club have bought this player, ‘ said Conte about the Frenchman. I hope through our work we can repay the welcome’.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic felt Costa was lucky to still be on the pitch to drill home from 20 yards in the 89th minute.
Costa was booked during Chelsea’s win over West Ham on Monday evening, but seemed fortunate to escape a second yellow card after his tackle on goalkeeper Adrian.
Eden Hazard, booed by fans a year ago for failing to produce anything like his best form, got off the mark early in the second half by converting a penalty after defender Cesar Azpilicueta was fouled by Michail Antonio.
Familiar foes will renew their rivalry when Walter Mazzarri’s Watford play host to Antonio Conte’s Chelsea at Vicarage Road.
The 27-year-old made 41 appearances in all competitions for the Stamford Bridge club last season, and managed to score 16 goals and assist a further 11 strikes.
Diego Costa has once again claimed he is traded unfairly by Premier League officials.
West Ham also suffered a blow when new signing Andre Ayew had to come off in the first half after suffering a thigh injury.
Conte celebrated wildly with the Chelsea supporters on the touchline and was full of praise for his players’ performance in his first game at the helm.
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Former Italy boss Conte left the Spain worldwide on the bench, and reports from Spain have suggested that the player has been offered to Real Madrid. “But someone has got to give us some help”.
