Chelsea manager Antonio Conte praised Diego Costa for his performance in the 2-2 draw away to Swansea City today despite being frustrated at his side dropping points for the first time this season.
Costa, who has started the season is spectacular fashion, scored both of his side’s goals in an enthralling encounter at the Liberty Stadium.
The Blues took the lead through Costa, but Swansea levelled from the penalty spot through Gylfi Sigurdsson. Leroy Fer then made it 2-1 to Swansea in controversial fashion as he wasn’t penalised for what Chelsea thought was a foul on Gary Cahill in the build-up to the goal.
Costa, though, doubled his tally as he scored a late equaliser with a spectacular acrobatic finish.
Speaking after the game, Conte, whose side created 22 chances today, said: “It’s difficult to talk about the game. I think today we lost two points.
“We were dominating the game and winning. It’s incredible in two minutes that the match changes. We were very good to draw. When you have the possibility to kill the game, you must kill the game.
“This is a difficult league. We conceded two goals. I don’t want to talk about the decision behind the second Swansea goal, but he made the wrong decision. I am very happy for Diego Costa. Every match I am asked about his patience but he played very well today.
“The team created a lot of chances, we played good football with good intensity. When you have a lot of attempts you must score more goals. I have learned nothing about the Premier League today because I knew before that the league is very, very tough.”
Swansea were in need of a boost after losing their previous two Premier League games, and they gave a good account of themselves in this fixture, especially in the second half. Manager Francesco Guidolin admitted that he regretted his decision to substitute Neil Taylor, who was making his first appearance of the season, in the closing stages of the first-half.
Guidolin said: “It’s a very good result agianst a very strong team. It was difficult for us after the second goal, because we played good football before that.
“The game changed after our first goal. The confidence changed in my players. We have to be more confident. We have the quality to play in a different way.
“Diego Costa’s second goal was very good, he is a very strong fighter and striker. Chelsea didn’t deserve to lose the game.
“We are happy because one point is good for us. It’s important for the club, the fans, for everyone. We can work in the week with more confidence and we will be better in the future.”
Following the result Chelsea are in second place, two points adrift of leaders Manchester City, while Swansea are 13th. The Blues host Liverpool on Friday in their next fixture, which should be a very entertaining game, while Swansea’s next assignment sees them travel to face Southampton.
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