Costa scores his 10th of the season to send Antonio Conte's side top

This is a Hazard warning. Chelsea are on the rise. Diego Costa’s 10th goal of the season gave them their sixth straight Premier League victory, during which they have

scored 17 goals without reply, and put them top of the table – a point ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City. The magnetic striker has his desire, hunger and discipline back.

But it was a hard-fought victory over Middlesbrough, halting their recent rally, which included impressive away draws against City and Arsenal, and it was Eden Hazard who helped make the difference; Hazard, Costa and the revitalised Victor Moses joined with the Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, on the pitch at the end in exuberant celebration.

Arms raised in triumph, the Italian showed just how much it meant and, afterwards, he spoke warmly of how Chelsea had found a different way to win after their swashbuckling swatting aside recently of the likes of Everton and Manchester United.

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