LONDON (AP) – Striker Diego Costa struck late as Chelsea won its first competitive match under new manager Antonio Conte, beating West Ham 2-1 Monday night in their English Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge.
West Ham thought it had thought grabbed a late equalizer in the London derby after James Collins’ well-struck shot in the 77th minute canceled out Eden Hazard’s penalty kick.
But Costa was able to steer the ball past Hammers goalkeeper Adrian from outside the box in the 89th to give the home team the result it deserved.
West Ham rode its luck for much of the match with Adrian denying Willian twice.