Chelsea 2-0 Leicester: 5 Big Things We Learnt

4. Diego Costa's Poaching Skills Are Exactly What Chelsea Have Lacked

Right place, right time. That's what Chelsea have lacked in a striker in recent years, a player who knows exactly when to get forward and where to position himself to make the most of any opportunities. My concern when Costa's signing was announced was that he depended too much on getting space to run into behind the opposition's defensive line. His performance this afternoon and in thumping home a rebound against Burnley in Chelsea's previous game, proved me happily wrong. His excellent runs are certainly a big part of his game, but against a Leicester side denying him space, he adapted his game to one more akin to a traditional poacher, peeling off into the little gaps between defenders and using his strength to hold his position. The manner in which he took his goal, chesting the ball down past an onrushing defender before lashing home on the half-volley, showed considerable calm under pressure, especially with Chelsea still at 0-0 in a game they were expected to win comfortably. He's a good all-rounder, with decent pace, plenty of strength and good technical skills to complement his movement and positioning. It remains to be seen how he'll fare against more experienced Premier League defenders and upcoming away games against Everton and Man City should prove a real test, but the early signs are immensely encouraging.