Striker's hat-trick sent Chelsea clear at the top of the league
Sunday 14 September 2014 14:38, UK
Diego Costa’s immediate impact has “taken the pressure off” Chelsea, according to Niall Quinn.
The Spanish striker overcome a late fitness test to score a hat-trick in Saturday’s 4-2 win over Swansea to put Chelsea two points clear at the top of the table.
“Last year they kept looking for goals,” Quinn said. “Fernando Torres wasn’t happening, neither was Samuel Eto’o.
“When you look what they have now – Loic Remy also came on and got his goal on his debut – and Didier Drogba on the bench, it’s so much more attack-minded.
“You know there’s goals in them. It’s taken the pressure off.”
Whether it’s scraps, whether it’s being strong and holding onto the ball and withstanding challenges, whether it’s finishing from outside the box or inside the box, he’s just a livewire and he’s a massive addition to Chelsea
Costa, a £32m arrival from Atletico Madrid, has scored seven goals in his first four Chelsea matches.
Quinn continued: “The statistics are frightening for a guy who, when he was signed, a lot of us said it would take a while for him to settle in – we can take that back! He’s on fire, the statistics are better than a lot of clubs.
“Whether it’s scraps, whether it’s being strong and holding onto the ball and withstanding challenges, whether it’s finishing from outside the box or inside the box, he’s just a livewire and he’s a massive addition to Chelsea.”
Finishing touches
The former Arsenal and Republic of Ireland goalscorer was particularly impressed with the intelligence Costa displayed in scoring three.
“He keeps his eye on the first one really well, pushes two people out of the way to get the goal. He’s strong, he’s always on the look-out for things.
“For the second he knows that if he holds back rather than makes a run, because Ashley Williams comes out to close down Cesc Fabregas, he can hold the space and get a goal.
“He’s the only player in the box who thinks ‘this might be a mis-hit’, I’ll search for scraps and get my hat-trick. That’s fantastic. Most forwards would have their sights lowered if their team-mate was going to shoot.
“The likes of Oscar and Eden Hazard now know there’s great players ready to get the finishing touches so they’ll feel better about what they’re doing.”
Quinn also noted the importance of Remy opening his goalscoring account after a £10.5m move from QPR.
“The goal was a relief to Remy – his move to Liverpool didn’t happen for strange reasons – and it seemed like he was going to start for QPR but Chelsea came in for him and that goal will help him to flourish," he added.
“With Man City dropping points and Liverpool dropping points they’re out of the blocks well and they’re the team to beat.
“All in all, Chelsea are better than last season.”
