Diego Costa scored on his Premier League debut as Chelsea began their season with a confident 3-1 victory at newly-promoted Burnley on Monday.
The Spaniard equalised after Scott Arnfield had put Burnley in front, and goals from Andreas Schurrle and Branislas Ivanovic sealed victory for Jose Mourinho’s side.
“Burnley are a direct and physical side but overall we had good control and we showed moments of class,” Mourinho said.
Burnley are a direct and physical side but overall we had good control and we showed moments of class
“I feel very sorry for him because he should have had a penalty and it is negative when we are trying to prepare him for the English philosophy and culture that he should be punished.”
Chelsea’s triumph means all of last season’s top six sides won their opening match of the season.
Mourinho fielded new boys Costa and Cesc Fabregas, leaving Fernando Torres and Willian on the bench while Thibaut Courtois was preferred in goal to Petr Cech.
“Jose has made some very big signings this summer like Costa who was different class tonight the way he held the ball up,” Chelsea captain John Terry said.
“We’re hoping to win the league this season. It will be very tough but it was important that we got three points.”
But Chelsea fell behind on 14 minutes when Courtois was beaten by Arnfield’s strike after the London side had failed to clear a corner.
Burnley’s lead lasted just three minutes as Costa, signed for 32 million pounds from Atletico Madrid, scored from close range.
Schurrle put them in front four minutes later after nice work from Fabregas and Ivanovic volleyed in Fabregas’ corner to effectively seal the win by half-time.
The second half was played out at a canter by Chelsea and they were able to bring on Didier Drogba, back at the club for a second spell, for a few minutes as a late substitute.
