Analysing Diego Costa’s match-winning comeback in Chelsea’s victory against Hull City

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Chelsea secured their 18^th victory of the season on Sunday as they beat Hull City, which saw the Blues move eight points clear at the top of the table. Antonio Conte has had a huge impact at Stamford Bridge, sparking a title challenge during his first season in English football. Although Hull City offered a determined opposition, the quality of the Chelsea side came to the fore and they are now seen as the overwhelming favourites to win the league title.

It hasn’t all been easy sailing for the league leaders and one of the main talking points this afternoon was the return of Diego Costa. The striker sat out of the side’s victory over Leicester City after speculation, as reported by the Independent, suggesting that he wanted to leave the club and move to China after a lucrative offer came his way. It was an unwanted story for Chelsea as it had the potential to distract them from their title challenge, but it was managed well by Antonio Conte and the striker was recalled to the starting eleven this weekend. He was well received by the Chelsea supporters and the rumours were put to one side as he helped the side gain a crucial three points.

He lined up as the central striker and worked hard for his side, with his movement causing problems for Hull City all afternoon. His performance was one that showed a player that was fully focused on the task ahead of him and that is a positive sign of things to come for Chelsea. Costa has shown an intelligence to his game this season, as he knows how to earn space for himself with his movement. Hull City defended admirably for a side battling relegation, but Costa had too much class for the Tigers and that was rewarded with his 15^th league goal of the season.

The Spanish international managed to find space in the penalty area to receive a cross from Victor Moses before scoring the opening goal of the afternoon with a smart finish. He is extremely composed in front of goal and rarely wastes a good chance. It was great to see him start from where he left off before the speculation, but it was the goal celebration that caught the attention. He was suggesting that the rumours were just that and shouldn’t be focused on as he gestured with his hands. Little is known about exactly what has gone on behind the scenes, but he has responded in the perfect way.

Costa attempted six shots during the game, highlighting that his self-belief hasn’t faltered. He was getting into the right positions all game long, while his link-up play was impressive. The 28-year-old ended the match with an 80% pass success rate. Although he will be disappointed to have been dispossessed on four occasions, more than anybody else on the pitch, he once again provided a match-winning contribution. It underlined why Chelsea must keep the striker at the club. He has the ability to score goals and has been at his best this season. It was great to see both player and club move on from what could have been a poisonous affair.

Many would have expected Diego Costa to score on his return to the first team and he managed to do so. On another day, he could have scored a hat-trick, as he came close just seconds into the contest, while he had another wrongly disallowed for offside. It was the perfect response to his critics and Chelsea will now be hoping that they can move on, with Costa focusing solely on regaining the Premier League title.

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