|
LONDON, Aug. 16, (Xinhua) -- Diego Costa's late goal in the 89th minute helped Conte's Chelsea opened the 2016-17 Premier League campaign with a narrow 2-1 home win over West Ham United on Monday.
Eden Hazard opened the scoring for Chelsea with a penalty early in the second half, before West Ham centre-back James Collins equalized with a neat finish in the 77th minete.
Before scoring the decisive goal, Costa could have been shown a second yellow card after catching West Ham goalkeeper with a late challenge, but the referee Anthony Taylor decided to keep his cards in the pocket.
"It is important to find the right spirit and intensity. We know we can improve and we must improve a lot, but today I am pleased for my players," Conte told local media after the game.
Clinching first victory in the Premier League, Conte got the three points and his Chelsea is believed to be a strong competitor in the title race besides Guardiola's Manchester City and Mourinho's Manchester United.
