Diego Costa Hat-Trick Saves Chelsea, Jose Mourinho Insists He’s Best Striker In The World

A Diego Costa hat-trick inspired Chelsea to victory over Swansea on Saturday, and helped to maintain the London side’s 100 percent start to their Premier League campaign.

Costa, who arrived from Atletico Madrid in the summer for just under $50 million, is already proving to be a steal. The Spanish international has now scored seven goals in just four games this season, and Jose Mourinho’s team are already looking like the side to beat.

Swansea actually took the lead at Stamford Bridge after John Terry inadvertently diverted a cross into his own net. However, Costa restored parity before half-time, and he struck twice more soon after the re-start to complete his hat-trick, before a Loic Remy effort gave Chelsea a four goal to one advantage. Jonjo Shelvey scored a late consolation goal, but by then the damage had already be done.

Costa had been a doubt before the game after he suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Spain, but he passed a late fitness test in order to play. Alongside Cesc Fabregas, who now has six assists for the season already, Costa has been a stellar addition to Chelsea’s team.

After the match, Mourinho declared that Costa is one of the best strikers in world football. He told BBC News, “Diego Costa is one of the best strikers we have at this moment in football. The team is an attacking team that creates a lot, creates spaces for a striker. The second goal is a brilliant collective action and Cesc Fabregas had a fantastic assist.”

On the game itself, the Portuguese coach explained, “We were too comfortable in the first half, not creating super dangerous situations. In the second half we started pressing them very well, did not give them time to play, started creating and playing more attacking football. It could have been five or six.”

Gary Monk, Swansea’s manager, was philosophical following their defeat.

“It was a very good first half hour,” he noted. “Some of the football was the best we’ve played this season. I think it just showed the world-class quality they have and in the second-half it took its toll a bit. Their power and strength was too much. When you play the top teams you gauge where you are at and what you need to work on. But in terms of effort and commitment we were very good.”

Do you think that Diego Costa is the best striker in soccer right now?

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