IN PICS: Late Costa strike hands Conte opening win

Sport360 staff 01:07 16/08/2016
It was an important early win for Chelsea.

Diego Costa handed Antonio Conte a Premier League victory at his first attempt with a dramatic 90th minute winner over West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

The Spain striker was fortunate to still be on the pitch after receiving an early booking for dissent and then avoiding a second yellow for a second-half foul on Hammers goalkeeper Adrian.

Eden Hazard had given the hosts the lead from the penalty spot two minutes into the second period after Michail Antonio brought down Nemanja Matic in the box.

West Ham looked to have secured a draw thanks to James Collins’ superb leveller before Costa secured all three points for Conte’s men.

The bruising Spain striker’s goal capped a positive night for Conte, who handed a full debut to former Leicester City man N’Golo Kante and saw another debutant, substitute Michy Batshuayi, set up the winning strike.

It was a bitter defeat for West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, who earlier lost debutant Andre Ayew to an apparent right thigh injury in the 34th minute.

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