22.01.2017 20:14 h

Conte revels in Costa's goal-scoring return

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said his decision to recall top scorer Diego Costa had been vindicated after the striker scored in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Hull City.

Costa missed last weekend's 3-0 win at Leicester City due to a back problem, but reports said he had a rowed with a fitness coach after being unsettled by a big-money offer from China.

Having returned to the side against Hull, he scored his 15th goal of the season in first-half stoppage time to set Chelsea up for a win that sent them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

"His performance was good and I am pleased for this," Conte said.

"In the press conference before the game a lot of people asked me about his form, his attitude. I took the best decision for the team and I think I made the best decision after this performance.

"It is normal to receive a lot of questions (about Costa). The most important thing for us is the answer on the pitch, for the player, for me, for the club, for the fans and for the league table."

Gary Cahill, who headed in Chelsea's second goal in the 81st minute, said Costa's return had given his team-mates a lift.

"He is delighted to come back," the England centre-back told Sky Sports.

"There has been a lot of talk. If he misses one game, you are hearing about all the different stories. It gets a bit tiring and the best way to respond is to get a goal.

"We are delighted to have him back in the team."