Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Late Costa strike gives Conte winning Chelsea debut

August 16, 2016 02:48 IST

IMAGE: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte celebrates with Diego Costa at the end of the match. Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Reuters.

Chelsea's fiery Spain striker Diego Costa snatched a last-minute goal to secure a 2-1 home win over West Ham United and hand new manager Antonio Conte a winning start to his Premier League career on Monday.

The bearded Costa collected a header from new signing Michy Batshuayi and thumped it low beyond West Ham goalkeeper Adrian's outstretched right hand to claim the points.

Visiting defender James Collins had threatened to spoil the Italian coach's debut with a 78th minute equaliser in a high tempo match full of energy and intensity.

IMAGE: Chelsea's Eden Hazard celebrates scoring their first goal with Diego Costa. Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Reuters.

Chelsea's tricky Belgium forward Eden Hazard had put Chelsea ahead just after halftime from the penalty spot after Michail Antonio brought down Cesar Azpilicueta.

It was a lively, committed encounter that gave Conte, who took Italy to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals last month, a taste of the physical side of English football.