Saint Diego: Antonio Conte applauds restraint of saviour Costa after rough time at Swansea

Antonio Conte launched an impassioned defence of brilliant but controversial forward Diego Costa after the Italian dropped his first points in English football as Chelsea were held 2-2 at Swansea City.

The Spanish international scored his team’s two goals on Sunday, was booked and was also on the receiving end of rough treatment from Swansea defenders Jordi Amat and Federico Fernandez, both of whom were cautioned for fouls on Costa.

Amat, in particular, was fortunate not to earn a second yellow and Conte praised his star man for showing great composure despite the provocation.

“If you ask me that the defender deserves the second yellow card I don’t want to reply about this,” said the Chelsea manager.

“I only want to tell that after every game they press ask me about Diego and his behaviour and today (Sunday) I can tell that Diego Costa had a fantastic behaviour to control the situation because today he took a lot of kicks from the first minute until the end of the game.