When Antonio Conte was named as the manager for Chelsea before the season started, everyone knew that the players in the side would have to be up for a lot of work. The Italian manager was known for his hard working team and also for changing the tactics of the team.
A greater reliance on pressing and movement is the hallmark of a Conte team and of course, the ability to defend well. Chelsea might not be going great guns after the loss against Liverpool but they do have one player that has taken up the Conte philosophy to heart.
The good old Costa is back
Diego Costa was one player that was linked with a move away from the club. The Spaniard had a really poor season last time around and it was expected that he would sign for Atletico Madrid in the summer.
Call it plain luck or the fact that Chelsea could not find a replacement for the Spanish striker, Costa stayed at the club and it has been a great decision for both parties. The former Atletico Madrid striker has started this season on fire and has scored five goals in five games for the team.
While it took him more than half the season last time to even score four Premier League goals, he has been on fire this term for the club. Antonio Conte also seems to have brought back the aggression and the tenacity of the player, something that was missing last time around.
Costa though is always on a fine line and even though it seems he is bound to get sent off this season, the Spaniard has stayed on the field. Even in the game against Liverpool, it was Costa that had the best chances for the club and even got the only goal for the Blues.
The best example of Costa’s new found ability has to be the game against Swansea. When things looked down and out for the London club, it was Costa who scored the all-important equaliser to ensure that the side did not lose the game.
While many predicted the likes of N’Golo Kante or even Eden Hazard to flourish, it has been the Spanish striker that has been their best player this season. He might not have had to be tactically wound up or even had his position changed much under the new manager but he could lead Chelsea to a top four finish.
The goals are there and the controlled aggression is back, Diego Costa is back and the Premier League better take notice.
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