Much has been made of Diego Costa in recent weeks, with the media fuelling speculation that the striker could be on his way out of the club amid a huge bid from China. The Spaniard was rumoured to have a fall out with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, with the manager not happy with Costa’s supposed injury troubles that have seen him out of action for the Londoners.
However, Costa scored on his return to the side as Chelsea strengthened their grip on the Premier League title, moving eight points clear at the top. The Blues top goalscorer was applauded throughout the match by the home fans, as his side won against a struggling Hull City side.
He got the opening goal of the game, converting Victor Moses’ low cross from eight yards out and his celebration of moving hands seemed to put an end to speculation of his departure - much to the delight of Chelsea fans, I’m sure.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Diego Costa’s performance. Do you agree?
Diego Costa has 52 goals in 100 games for Chelsea Football Club
Now imagine if he had played this good last season… amazing stats. #CFC— ConteTweets (@ConteTweets) January 22, 2017
Diego Costa shutting the media up. pic.twitter.com/lFwkM7TyvG
— • (@SimpIyEden) January 22, 2017
Costa has been at the heart of Chelsea’s title bid this season, proving a real handful for defences with his strength and finishing ability. The Spaniard was the only player to have more than one shot in the side (6) and his return to the side couldn’t have been better timed, with the Londoners set for a showdown at Anfield next weekend.
It could have been a very different game had Costa not found the net just before the half time interval, with Hull doing well to frustrate the home side. They looked at risk of not making the most of their rivals shortcomings over the weekend, but Costa, once again, delivered when it mattered.
The mood following kick-off was a stark contrast to last weekend when Chelsea’s run was halted by Spurs. Diego Costa’s future was up in the air and fans were understandably worried about what that could mean for their title hopes. His return, and goal, will have certainly lightened the mood at the club as they moved closer to another Premier League title. Any risk of instability or distraction has dissipated - Chelsea are back in control and continue to roll on.
Diego Costa has currently played 99 times in all competitions for Chelsea & was involved in 68 goals (51G & 17A). pic.twitter.com/bEhUcXYTyk
— ️ (@AddictedToCFC) January 22, 2017
@premierleague @diegocosta best striker in the league no doubt🙌
— Roman Abramovich (@MrAbramovich_03) January 22, 2017
Any risk of instability or distraction, after the defeat at White Hart Lane and Costa’s wantaway strop, has been seen off now. Chelsea are back to normal, back in control, and looking likelier than ever to stroll to this year’s title.
Costa’s record at the club speaks for itself, with the 28 year old’s quality clear for all to see. Coming up with important goals for Chelsea, he is the most important player to club have, thus Antonio Conte and co. will be delighted to have him back. It would take surely take something miraculous for Chelsea to not end up lifting the trophy at the end of the season.