Antonio Conte Gets Off to a Winning Start as Chelsea Boss

Antonio Conte’s Chelsea beat West Ham United 2-1 to mark the Italian’s first game in charge with a closely fought win.

Eden Hazard scored a penalty in the 47^th minute to put Chelsea ahead before James Collins equalised in the 77^th minute. Then, just as the game seemed to be drifting towards a draw, Diego Costa struck the winner in the 89^th minute, firing low into the corner of Adrian Castillo’s net after some brilliant play between new signing Michy Batshuayi and the Spaniard.

To mark his first Premier League game, new Chelsea Boss Conte went with the team that has been playing together for the past few seasons, the arrival of midfielder N’Golo Kante in the heart of the Chelsea midfield being the only exception.

While the dropping to the bench of Cesc Fabregas – going for the quicker Oscar – appeared a contentious decision, the Brazilian proved the doubters wrong with an impressive display, being defensively solid and providing a threat in attack.

The steady and normally reliable back five of Thibaut Courtois, Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta started in defence. The four-man midfield consisted of Willian, Kante, Nemanja Matic, Oscar and Eden Hazard with Diego Costa leading the line (ten of the players who started the opening game of Chelsea’s disastrous title defence last season).

Chelsea’s intensity was one similar to the Italy side managed by Conte at the UEFA Euro. Only Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, known for its high pressure, made more high-intensity sprints in opening weekend of the Premier League. Through this new-found style of play, Chelsea were able to keep the pressure on the Hammers and kept the ball for better parts of the game. The 2-1 scoreline may not do justice to the amount of chances and threating opportunities Chelsea had.

The incident that won the penalty for Chelsea and ultimately led to Hazard putting them 1-0 was a direct result of the Blues’ zesty approach right from the start. Chelsea’s left back Cesar Azpilicueta pressurised West Ham’s Michail Antonio and after winning the ball from the right-back, the chelsea player was tripped in the penalty box.

Another notable feature from Chelsea’s win the other night was Antonio Conte jumping up and down on the sidelines and barking instructions to his well-organised Chelsea side – the Italian manager’s passion and aggression was apparent for all to see.

He was also in with the fans after Diego Costa’s winner. Regardless of the team they support, fans will almost certainly enjoy such action.

It’s only early days but Chelsea’s prospects of having a good season look to be bright. Belgium’s Eden Hazard looked like the player who won the PFA player of the year in 2015; meanwhile, the acquisition of N’Golo Kante seems like it could be the signing of the season.

The France ainternational’s presence gave Chelsea a far more solid defensive unit – the reason for so much of their struggles last season. The midfield dynamo was a huge part of Leicester’s title success and he could play a similar role here too.