Antonio Conte’s Premier League career began with a 2-1 win over West Ham early this morning that was not without the typical touch of Chelsea controversy.
The opening round fixture brought all the regular fire of a London derby, with the home side’s N’Golo Kante and Diego Costa early seeing yellow cards, while Hammers fans would be forced to watch new arrival Andre Ayew forced off the pitch with just 20 minutes gone through a thigh injury.
The Blues appeared to have been re-ignited under their new manager though and after controlling much of the momentum, took the lead moments into the second-half from Eden Hazard’s converted penalty. Slaven Bilic would be forced to introduce Dimitri Payet into the contest, and while the Frenchman’s impact led to a stunning equaliser from James Collins, the visiting attack was largely isolated for the entire game.
Star striker Costa found the net late on with a low drive to seal the result, but was lucky to still be on the pitch having slide-tackled opposition goalkeeper Adrian while on a booking.
Here are some of the best reactions to come from Twitter after the game:
How in the world did Costa not get sent off, horrendous challenge #CHEWHU
— Kieran L (@kieran_shaker) August 16, 2016
Diego Costa. What a striker. Too bad he’s also an uncivilised diving Neanderthal. #CHEWHU
— CassianPierreAnthony (@Cassianthony92) August 16, 2016
Still questioning how Costa missed the opportunity and honour of being the first player to be awarded a red card this season #CHEWHU
— Average Joe (@KawumaMirundi) August 16, 2016
.@WestHamUtd deserved a draw from their game at @ChelseaFC. Diego Costa doing what he does best; playing dirty with no punishment. #CHEWHU
— Charlie SANSOM (@CharlieSansom) August 16, 2016
@hazardeden10 looking back to his best tonight, key player if @ChelseaFC are to do well this season.#PL #CHEWHU
— Robbie Swift (@RobbieSwift17) August 15, 2016
N’Golo Kante was incredible today should have got Man Of The Match #chelsea #CHEWHU
— Paolo (@Paoliniho) August 15, 2016
The unknown left back from West Ham even better than Moreno, though
— Redzi Arya Pratama (@RedziAP) August 16, 2016
Have 2 get service to Carroll. Waste having him on field if can’t get crosses to him. Tore n Valencia didn’t give him any.#COYI #WHU #WHUFC
— Steve Gilliard (@SteveGilliard) August 16, 2016
Definitely didn’t deserve to win that but doesn’t help when the goalscorer shouldn’t have even been on the pitch 🙃 #whufc
— Sam Blowers ⚒ (@samblowers) August 15, 2016
Disappointed with #whufc tonight, offered nothing going forward, #cfc looked much better under Conte – Hazard & Costa back to form is vital.
— Sam Ellard (@SamEllard) August 15, 2016
@jsullivanwhu can’t keep blaming the refs! Barely had any chances, one of our only AM’s are playing at RB, it needs to be sorted! #WHUFC
— Knighty☕ (@Kniighty) August 15, 2016
Can your coach do this #Chelsea #CHEWHU #Goodstart #Conte #CFC pic.twitter.com/76juwgbzjp
— KaGuru© (@jaykaGuru) August 16, 2016
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