Late Costa goal gives Chelsea dramatic victory

Chelsea 2 West Ham 1

Diego Costa’s 89th-minute strike earned Chelsea victory in their first game under new boss Antonio Conte.

Costa, afforded time on the edge of the box, swiveled and struck a low shot beyond Adrian to the delight of the home support.

James Collins’ terrific half-volley 15 minutes from time looked to have secured the visitors a point.

Eden Hazard’s penalty a minute into the second-half gave the hosts the lead after Michail Antonio had bundled over Cesar Azpilicueta.

West Ham’s equaliser came after a sustained period of pressure and the introduction of second-half substitute Dimitri Payet.

Collins’ initial header from the Frenchman’s corner was half-cleared before the defender reacted first to thump a terrific half-volley beyond Thibaut Courtois.

Conte handed debuts to N’Golo Kante, with fellow summer arrival Michy Batshuayi, who came on in the final few minutes.

The hosts shaded the opening half and could have been awarded a penalty after Oscar tumbled under the challenge of Winston Reid, only for the referee to wave away the appeals.

Hazard cleverly weaved his way into a shooting position just before the break, before seeing his curling effort narrowly miss the far post.

Batshuayi had a hand as Chelsea created a good chance to take the lead inside the final 10 minutes, but Pedro fired off target when well positioned inside the penalty area.

Adrian tipped away Willian’s powerful strike, before captain John Terry met the Brazilian’s corner but could only nod over the crossbar, but Costa’s emphatic finish proved decisive.