Between Chelsea and Conte it is love at first sight. On their league debut, in the very hot setting of Stamford Bridge, the Blues had to wait until the 89th minute to get the better of a very tenacious West Ham, thanks to a great goal by the revived Diego Costa, who fixed the final score on 2 at 1.
Previously, after a balanced first half, Chelsea had taken the lead after just over a minute in the second half, with a penalty conceded for an obvious foul by Antonio on Azpilicueta and converted by a very lively Eden Hazard. At that point the blues had seemed in control and had come close to doubling several times before capitulating on the 77th in the only, or almost, opportunity allowed to their opponents: a very English scrum from a corner solved with unexpected aim by the red Welsh defender Collins .
Only in the last breaths of a dominated match did the definitive advantage arrive, with a leading paw from Diego Costa. At that moment the Conte Show began: the coach from Lecce, welcomed by his fans with a choreography that reproduced an Italian flag, rushed towards the stands, embracing the blues supporters in the front rows behind his bench and celebrating with them . Then, at the end of the game, the former coach went to embrace and charge his players one by one.
More than for a still intermittent game, and God forbid, mister Conte seems to have already entered the hearts of his fans for this passionate attitude, in a context, the English one, which could put him more at ease with his own emotions than the context, more gloomy and hysterical, Italian. In any case, the first one is good.
Good first also for those who are rightfully considered the two biggest favorites for the victory of a Premier League that promises to be very hard-fought: the two in Manchester. On Saturday, Guardiola's City, a construction site still open, had to wait for McNair's own goal in the 87th minute to unlock a 1-1 draw against Sunderland between friendly walls and take home the three points.
The path of Mourinho's reds is smoother, still without Pogba. After forty minutes of stammering play, the Reds broke the deadlock with a goal from Mata, who took advantage of a sensational blunder by the Bournemouth defence. From then on, the match went downhill and the Mancunians spread with Rooney and Ibra, who scored on his official debut with the new shirt.
In the other games of the weekend, the defeat of Leicester stands out, folded 2 to 1 at the home of derelict Hull City, and the 4 to 3 between Liverpool led by a dazzling Coutinho and Wenger's highly reworked Arsenal, in a game full of mistakes, blunders and emotions. If a good day starts in the morning, however, this Premier promises excitement.
