Chelsea retained top spot after a well fought battle at Stamford Bridge against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Christian Eriksen gave the away side the lead after a thunderbolt strike but goals from Pedro and Victor Moses saw the three points remain with Antonio Conte’s men as they extend their run to seven consecutive league wins.
We take a look at the numbers behind the Blues top performer, Diego Costa, after another majestic performance saw the Spanish international grab an assist whilst giving Spurs defence something to worry about every time he was on the ball.
The 26-year-old was influential for the Blues, his assist for the winning goal was excellent - the way he drived past Dembele / Wimmer was so impressive, he glided past with ease showcasing a bit of neat footwork before driving the ball into the on running Moses’s path.
Although Costa did not get on the score sheet like he has so many times this season, he was showing why he is more than just a goal scorer with two key passes, one leading to the winning goal. What is most impressive about Costa’s game, which other strikers shy away from, is when the going gets tough, he gets tough. The Spanish international does not mind getting back for his side and doing the defensive work, with the Chelsea striker managing four clearances against Tottenham Hotspur.
The striker is working very hard for his teammates if things aren’t going their way, he will chase down any long ball which can relieve pressure on his side, this is the attitude Conte has managed to bring out of him after a below par season last term.
In another excellent display, Costa had 44 touches, making 25 passes finishing with a 72% pass accuracy. The Chelsea man helped his side take maximum points which see them sit top for another week, after another quality display we take a look at how Twitter reacted to Costa’s performance.
14 - Diego Costa has been involved in more goals than any other PL player this season (10 goals, 4 assists). Force.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 26, 2016
The work rate Conte is getting out of Diego Costa is incredible, it's far more even, than Simeone managed at Atletico. #CFC
— John Merro (@johnmerro1) November 26, 2016
The most complete striker in the league. Defends, attacks, creates chances, impeccable hold-up play. Diego Costa
— Nana Owusu (@AlfOwusu) November 26, 2016
It's amazing how many chances Diego Costa creates each game for his teammates to score.
And more so he being a Top 9.
We love you DIEGO!!!
— Make I Talk (@makeItalk) November 26, 2016
The pure joy of having Diego Costa in your squad. That guy is a blessing!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
— MARVEL JUNKIE!!! (@Cartha_of_CFC) November 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/NerwinNair/status/802595038156845056
Diego costa, best striker in the world.
— Ryan (@CfcRyann) November 26, 2016
I can't find words to describe my love for Diego Costa
— The Godfather (@_6_Legend) November 26, 2016
Diego Costa is my man of the match. Didn't score, but never stopped running from the go. Got an assist too.
— ⚠️ (@habeelz) November 26, 2016
Credit to Diego Costa he's gonna up a level this season. Elite striker
— Rhaegar (@GeneralRaheel_) November 26, 2016
As you can see, Costa’s performance did not go unnoticed and rightly so, he was excellent once again and proved why he is arguably the best number nine on the planet at this current time in his deadly form. If he is not scoring, he is creating goals, if he is not creating, he is working tirelessly. A truly brilliant player who could fire his side to Premier League glory once again if Antonio Conte’s men were to keep up this supreme form.