Diego Costa’s 89th minute strike handed Chelsea a 2-1 win over West Ham United at Stamford Bridge in their opening Premier League encounter.
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The visitors could not hold on to a point, though, as Diego Costa scored the victor with one minute of normal time remaining.
But it was Costa who ensured the late victory, still on the pitch despite a studded tackle on Adrian that could have earned him a second yellow card. Today was good and I’m happy, but from tomorrow we have to think of the next game.
“Nine times out of 10, when you see that challenge on a goalkeeper, it ends up with a booking”.
“But really I am only disappointed with the late goal. I don’t know if I’ll sleep tonight because the adrenaline is high”.
Diego Costa struck a late victor to get Conte off to a dream start in the Premier League with victory at the first attempt for the Italian.
West Ham will be looking to build on their impressive 2015/16 season under the stewardship of Slaven Bilic and the Hammers should be in good physical shape having already played competitive matches during pre-season as they’ve been playing in the Europa League qualifying rounds.
Conte defended his match-winner saying: “Diego tried to put pressure on Adrian and, before the contact, he stopped”.
Antonio Conte’s men would not be denied though as a string of substitutions saw Michy Batshuayi create a chance than Diego Costa took with aplomb.
“And he showed he will run for everything”.
Conte left Cesc Fabregas on the bench, but later insisted the Spain midfielder remains central to his plans.
‘I am happy that he [Costa] stayed here and made a decision to work with us, ‘ Conte said.
Hazard wasn’t the only Chelsea player who looked fired up from the start. Their past is not important to me and now, I am seeing a good attitude from Diego – to work and to improve in different situations.
Last season was one to forget for everyone connected with Chelsea – they finished a shocking tenth, sacked Jose Mourinho and had no cup success!
“The players will need to buy into that and respect that then you’ll see an improvement from previous year”.
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Atlético made no secret of their desire to re-sign him and Chelsea even threatened to take action against the Spanish club in two written warnings.
