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Conte Praise For Costa

He may well have no endeared himself to the home crowd and he may well count himself as lucky to have seen out the ninety minutes but to Chelsea, Diego Costa was their saviour on Sunday as he scored two goals to earn the Blues a point at the Liberty.

Costa struck the first and last goals of an entertaining game - particularly in the second half - at the Liberty to protect their unbeaten start to the season but ultimately it was not enough to retain their 100% record.

And through a series of over reactions and potential dives and ending with a dangerous high kick that was allowed to count as a goal, Costa put in a typical ninety minutes that - for me - make him one of the most odious players there is at the moment and certainly at home in a Chelsea side led by John Terry.

However, his performance led to praise from manager Antonio Conte at the end of the game with the Chelsea manager happy with the display of his striker

"I am surprised they did not have a player sent off," Conte said after Andre Marriner had booked three Swansea players during Sunday's game.

"I do not want to reply about this, but after the game I am asked about it.

"I was asked about the patience of Diego Costa and I can tell you he behaved fantastically well to control the situation because he took a lot of kicks from the first minute until the end.

"It is difficult, but he showed me and his team-mates that he has fantastic behaviour and it was not easy for him.

"I think he gets targeted by defenders.

"They know him and sometimes they try to provoke him. "

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