Costa helps Chelsea kick off PL season with 2-1 win over West Ham

Johannesburg: Diego Costa scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute as Chelsea kicked off the Premier League season with a 2-1 win over West Ham United at Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

Following a goalless first half, Belgian striker Eden Hazard put the hosts ahead with a clinical spot kick early in the second half before James Collins restored parity in the 77th minute, Sport24 reported.

However, Antonio Conte’s side sparked wild celebrations at Stamford Bridge when Spain international Costa smashed a dramatic winner into the bottom-left corner from 20 yards.

Chelsea had finished at a disastrous 10th position in the last season, a year after it clinched the Premier League title under the guidance of Jose Mourinho. (ANI)