Eden Hazard’s penalty handed Chelsea the flawless second-half start, only for James Collins to blast a late equaliser.
Advertisement
But the Brazil-born Spain worldwide was fortunate to be on the pitch, having earlier caught West Ham goalkeeper Adrian with a late challenge after he had already received a yellow card.
“When you lose a game and concede late, of course you are disappointed”, Bilic told Sky Sports News.
“It is important to find the right spirit and intensity”.
“We are working only one month with the players but I am pleased because tonight I saw the right intensity”. Asked about Costa’s challenge on Adrian, Conte replied: “I did not see it”.
Animated Chelsea manager Antonio Conte launched his Premier League career with a battling 2-1 victory over West Ham United thanks to Eden Hazard’s penalty and a last-gasp Diego Costa strike in an intense London derby on Monday.
Former Juventus manager Conte revealed he admires gritty striker Costa’s fiery approach in midweek, but the ex-Italy boss may well feel the 27-year-old overstepped the mark with his rash challenge on Adrian.
“It was not reckless or deliberate, but it was quite late”, Bilic said. “Unfortunately this was the 10th time”. He added: “We were so close against a top side”.
With both managers spending the entire match on the edge of their technical areas, suited and gesturing animatedly, the game was characterised by hasty, imprecise football and full-blooded tackling.
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.
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. Branislav Ivanovic drew a save from Adrian at his near post, Hazard curled a shot a foot wide following a probing run and Willian obliged Adrian to palm a dipping free-kick over the bar.
Online bookmaker Betway has issued an apology after it tweeted criticism of West Ham player Michail Antonio – despite being the official shirt sponsor of the Premier League club.
Advertisement
In seeking to atone for his error, Antonio succeeded only in blundering into Azpilicueta from behind, obliging referee Anthony Taylor to point to the spot. While West Ham host bottom side Bournemouth next weekend.
