Chelsea were back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday, as the Blues won 2-0 at Hull. It was a much-needed win after successive top-flight defeats.
The Blues took a while to get going and it was not until the second half that Antonio Conte’s side kicked into gear. A key to the win was the performances of Brazilian playmaker Willian and Brazilian-born striker Diego Costa.
Willian is one of the most underrated talents in the Premier League but has been one of the Blues most effective players in the last few seasons. The former-Shakhtar Donetsk star opened the scoring in this clash.
Last season he produced 11 goals and 10 ten assists. This season the 28-year-old has contributed two goals. In the last year, only Costa has been involved in more goals for the Blues than the Brazilian.
Costa contributed a goal and an assist against Hull. The Spanish international also hit the post in a typically influential display from the striker. The former Atletico Madrid star has scored six goals in the Premier League and produced two assists.
The fiery star is a constant threat to opposition defences and never stops working up front. Despite summer speculation over his future at the club, Costa has stayed and in his own unique style has been highly influential.
Antonio Conte’s reign seemed to have hit a slight blip with those consecutive defeats. Victory in the game against Hull was vital for the Blues to get back on track. Willian and Costa sustaining their good performances could be the key to Chelsea regaining a place in the top four this season.
Willian was one of the few bright spots for the Blues last season in an otherwise highly disappointing campaign. Costa also hit form in the second half of last season.
If Conte is going to be successful at Stamford Bridge then the pair have the ability to win games for the Italian. The former Italy boss will be hoping they continue to produce on a consistent basis for the rest of the campaign.