I think he had a good game, not helped by the ref who was very harsh on him, aside from the obvious balls up with the penalty/dive decision, he also gave quite a few soft free kicks to Burnley's CB's whenever Diego tried to muscle his way into aerial challenges.

 

Hopefully this isn't a sign that he's got a target on his back from refs.

 

 

Was thinking the same last night Jonty. It reminded me of Drogba's 1st season. People stupidly kept moaning that he went down too easily, and he did sometimes but, more often, he was the victim of some awful challenges, particularly when he was competeing for aerial balls. And generally he got absolutely no protection whatsoever from refeeres. Just because a player is big and physically strong doesn't mean opponents automatically get the right to foul and kick the crap out of them.

 

As for Costa, those people on here saying he was a player that couldn't turn and run with the ball got a wake up call last night. Anyone who watched him last year knew it is one of his key assets. Exciting? Not 'arf.

Very pleasing performance in his first 'real' game, especially as he got a goal to boot. What I liked more than anything is that he 'can do it' on a night in Burnley... perhaps in January & February we'll see if he can do it on a Winter's night but the signs are good. Also *touch wood* it looks like he's recovered from the injury that kept on reoccurring last season… which was mainly due to AM rushing him back exactly like Liverpool did with Torres when he had his injury problems.

PS- I mention Torres as a comparison with injury rush backs, not form or anything else.

Loved his goal. Right through the laces. Bam!

We finally have a striker capable of scoring 30 goals a season. It's been so long! 

He does look uncomfortable to watch, hes not the smoothest and stylish of players (abit like Drogba ironically). However he looks fantastic, his movement, confidence and general play is incredible.

At last we have a good striker!

His movement and work rate are second to none.

He will work hard and get his rewards I think. I pray he stays fit and suspension free as with him we can go all the way.

18 to go 

Edited August 19, 201411 yr by barak81

Looks fantastic. I was worried when I saw him for Spain, but his pre-season and first game of the season have been brilliant.

Great performance, took his goal well and looked like a real physical threat, as well as being superior technique-wise to the expectations of many on here. He tailed off a bit in the last half an hour or so, but he was looking tired at that point, which is understandable. Interestingly he didn't look particularly good in the air though...

 

Good debut though, he was like a breath of fresh air. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he overtakes Torres' Chelsea league goals tally before the end of the season.

Great performance, took his goal well and looked like a real physical threat, as well as being superior technique-wise to the expectations of many on here. He tailed off a bit in the last half an hour or so, but he was looking tired at that point, which is understandable. Interestingly he didn't look particularly good in the air though...

 

Good debut though, he was like a breath of fresh air. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he overtakes Torres' Chelsea league goals tally before the end of the season.

he'll have it done by christmas

Hopefully Torres will pick up his aggression. Torres always plays better when he's angry and aggressive.

Loved his goal. Right through the laces. Bam!

WITH technically his weaker foot!

WITH technically his weaker foot!

he is VERY technically gifted.

WITH technically his weaker foot!

No messing around trying to work it on his preferred foot. Just booted it home like a proper striker.

Game changer, great start to his career in Blue

I get the feeling he's going to score a lot of really ugly goals.

 

They all count though, don't care if he scores with his ass so long as he keeps up this 1 per game ratio.

I get the feeling he's going to score a lot of really ugly goals.

 

They all count though, don't care if he scores with his ass so long as he keeps up this 1 per game ratio.

 

If he keeps that up we can hail him as one of the greatest strikers of all time!

Edited August 23, 201411 yr by Teritus

I get the feeling he's going to score a lot of really ugly goals.

 

They all count though, don't care if he scores with his ass so long as he keeps up this 1 per game ratio.

 

Agreed - we've got Willian to score the handful of screamers each season - we've been crying out for someone to do the dirty work for ages.  So far Diego has fit the bill.

2 in 2 for Costa not bad for a guy many people deemed sh*t after the World Cup. Gotta be winning over a lot of people

One of the things which has impressed me, as well as his goals, is his distribution. I was sort of expecting good hold up play but his first time lay offs have generally been excellent as well. Seems to have a good understanding with Hazard too.

One of the things which has impressed me, as well as his goals, is his distribution. I was sort of expecting good hold up play but his first time lay offs have generally been excellent as well. Seems to have a good understanding with Hazard too.

Was just about to post this the way he drifts out wide and brings the midfield into the game is unusual for a ST of his ilk, usually target men are exactly that and I was expecting just that when he signed but he's off the ball movement and his overall attitude to bring other players into the game is great.

 

Probably just checking if his goal bonus has been paid

Probably just checking if his goal bonus has been paid

Great pic

Keeps popping up in the right place.  Feels so good to have a top striker up front again.

Reminds me so much of van Nistelrooy. Totally underrated technically but is so aggressive towards anything in or around the area. Here's hoping he can match or better the Dutchman.