Chelsea got their season off to the best possible start with a win over London rivals West Ham United, thanks to Eden Hazard and a last gasp winner courtesy of Diego Costa.
It was a result that showed great promise. Eden Hazard looking like his former, superb self. Diego Costa was among the goals again, Oscar showed flashes of his brilliance and Antonio Conte’s touchline antics. The Italian’s first league game and London derby was a success, one which he capped off in the most brilliant fashion by joining the fans as they celebrated Costa’s 89th minute winner.
The Blues’ didn’t make it easy for themselves midway through the second half after conceding through a superb James Collins half volley. But they got back into it and eventually their persistence paid off. Substitute Michy Batshuayi found Diego Costa who struck it low and hard into the bottom right, past a helpless Adrian to send the Stamford Bridge and Antonio Conte into delirium.
After the first 45 minutes, which saw a number of tackles and back-heels from the Brazilian, it was safe to say that Oscar left fans divided.
Roman realising he hit decline instead of accept by mistake when China bid for Oscar pic.twitter.com/OL5G2fXyS6
— TalkOfTheBridge (@TalkOfTheBridge) August 15, 2016
Oscar has been excellent at winning the ball back in the opponents half tonight
— – (@zolanke) August 15, 2016
Oscar goes down in the box, waved away by the referee. Another great interception from the Brazilian, he’s having a great game.
— Chelsea HQ (@Chelsea_HQ) August 15, 2016
Amazing move by Oscar and Ivanovic, two of last season’s villains #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) August 15, 2016
When Oscar wants to do something brilliant, he actually does something brilliant. We all wish he could do it over 90 minutes, full season.
— brã Cisçõ (@JnR_CFC) August 15, 2016
Ivanovic looks better, Oscar’s ran the show, should of had a penalty, slightly better from last year not much though. #CHEWHU
— Steven (@stebriscoecfc) August 15, 2016
I’m one of many who love to criticize Oscar for the smallest mistake, but I thought he was really good in the first half.
— Batoul (@BatoulHussein) August 15, 2016
Oscar always flashes of brilliance just blows them up with a bonehead move
— Chris Day (@Chris_Day03) August 15, 2016
Oscar isn’t the problem, Matic is the problem, get Fabergas on for Matic
— TweetingChelsea (@Rileyt734) August 15, 2016
Oscar stepped up, Fab might be too slow for this.
Good start but let the goals flow…— Ramseyer Mankind CFC (@RamseyerApau) August 15, 2016
Towards the end of what seemed like a dull night for Diego Costa, Stamford Bridge, Antonio Conte and social media erupted after he scored the 89th minute winner
costa appreciation tweet, thanks for not passing that to pedro
— DipoAkinsanyaBrowne (@Dippzle) August 15, 2016
The bridge when Costa scored ?
— Liam King (@LiamKing93) August 15, 2016
When Costa scored I yelled yeah at work and people were looking at me like I was crazy lol
— cole (@TheColeHummel) August 15, 2016
That Costa goal though. Still wiping tears
— Uncle K’nuckles (@MalumKwetetse) August 15, 2016
If you didn’t run down and celebrate when Costa jumped in the Shed you’re not proper Chels
— Young Filletti (@oxTheMaestroxo) August 15, 2016
But not everyone was pleased with the fact that the Spaniard was still on the pitch after his late tackle on Adrian earlier in the game.
Is there some sort of rule that Costa can’t be sent off under any cicumstances? @FA
— Dan Batch (@Dan_Batch) August 15, 2016
Can someone please explain to me why the excuse for Costa not being sent off is that he’s “trying to play the ball.” Yeah. Everyone is.
— Brian Tenerowicz (@BrianTenerowicz) August 15, 2016
#bbcfootball …..Costa should have been off. Ref decisions affect games.
— Daniel Tettey (@don_tettey) August 15, 2016
Haters gonna hate ?⚽️ #Costa pic.twitter.com/4OHc1GyyML
— Dave Gollop (@Dave_Gollop) August 15, 2016
After his yellow, Costa made a late studs up high tackle, jumped in the crowd and dived. How does he get away with it?
— WestHamFan (@WestHam_Fan_) August 15, 2016
Roman Abrahmovich’s reaction to Eden Hazard’s miss didn’t go unnoticed.
Abramovich in the stands living & breathing every moment, Kroenke chilling on a Texas ranch combing his moustache. pic.twitter.com/vwYP8QWpvG
— Arsène’s Son (@hughwizzy) August 15, 2016
See the reaction of Roman Abramovich to Hazards goal attempt…that’s one owner who is a football fan. Truly passionate and committed
— Daddy14 (@dollarain2000) August 15, 2016
Abramovich as animated as ever.
— Chelsea Activity (@ChelseaActivity) August 15, 2016
Abramovich might be trigger happy, he might not know anything about Football but you can’t say He doesn’t genuinely love the Club
— Marcus (@JoeDbadman) August 15, 2016
Antonio Conte’s reaction to Chelsea scoring the winner was one of pure joy and passion. The Italian raced down his touchline before punching the air in delight and got to celebrate by hugging two overjoyed Chelsea fans!
Observing Antonio Conte for 90 minutes I can’t imagine how he ever goes to sleep after a game. Total adrenaline overload.
— Amy Lawrence (@amylawrence71) August 15, 2016
Antonio Conte. Epitome of passion. pic.twitter.com/hCO89yzPlL
— Chelsea Forever (@CheIseaForever) August 15, 2016
Antonio Conte celebrates goals as if the goalscorer is captained in his fantasy team.
— Jamie (@WarAndSetPiece) August 15, 2016
I’m pretty sure Antonio Conte’s diet consists entirely of Red Bull and cocaine.
— Brooks Peck (@BrooksDT) August 15, 2016
Antonio Conte is already VERY lively on the Chelsea touchline…? pic.twitter.com/XaYML67zD3
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) August 15, 2016
Looks like Antonio Conte enjoyed his first Premier League goal in charge of Chelsea ?? #CFC
(? via @liam_twomey) pic.twitter.com/oeLLrSgv2a— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) August 15, 2016
Haha – Conte things – Lives every minute of the match with his team pic.twitter.com/i2QblEESwG
— Juvefc.com (@juvefcdotcom) August 15, 2016
Conte in the PL
Games: 1
Wins: 1
Deft touches: 1
Gestures: 146(ish)
Touchline sprints: 1Entertainment guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/obmBUk2QXa
— bet365 (@bet365) August 15, 2016
If last night’s performance is anything to go by, one can certainly expect a top quality season from Eden Hazard. The kind that helps win the league.
Eden Hazard vs #WHUFC
Passes 55
Completed 82%
Chances Cr 1
Take-Ons 9/12
Goals 1 #CFC #PL pic.twitter.com/c8LgPCnu37— EPL Stat Man (@EPLStatman) August 15, 2016
Eden Hazard clearly reaping the benefit of his 12 month pre-season.
— Conor Kelly (@ConorPacKelly) August 15, 2016
Eden Hazard scores Chelsea’s 5000th goal in the English top flight ?? #CFC pic.twitter.com/mxrxazsh8X
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) August 15, 2016
Eden Hazard scores from the spot. Didn’t have to wait long for his first this season. #CFC
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) August 15, 2016
Eden Hazard looking fresh, sharp and exceptionally dangerous. Mobility and dribbling tonight so far has been ?. Fantastic watch #cfc
— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) August 15, 2016
How good is Eden Hazard…Absolute joy to watch.
— paul andrews (@bornacobi) August 15, 2016
The real Eden Hazard, we know ???
— Just Do It. (@IAmGeelyLotus) August 15, 2016
As usual Eden Hazard was terrific tonight
— Amin Ur Rehmán Khán (@AURK_05) August 15, 2016
N’golo Kante made his Chelsea debut today and put in a typically energetic and tireless performance. Despite his early booking, the Frenchman had a superb game and Chelsea fans certainly have much to look forward to.
Kante summed up pic.twitter.com/h2dptFjWhW
— azy (@azymanzur) August 15, 2016
What a player N’Golo Kante is going to be for us #cfc
— OnyiHitilafu™ (@lematic21) August 15, 2016
N’Golo Kante completed 54/57 passes this evening for Chelsea.
Solid start to life at Stamford Bridge. pic.twitter.com/PCanZ9h1Ws— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 15, 2016
Kante is mesmerising at times. Makes every one of his teammates jobs easier. Crucial, crucial signing.
— losriley (@losriley) August 15, 2016
100% – In the first-half, N’Golo Kante completed all of his 29 passes for Chelsea v West Ham United. Seamless.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 15, 2016
70% of the Earth is covered by water, the rest is covered by N’Golo Kante. #Chelsea #CFC
— Bridge News (@cfc_wale) August 15, 2016
