Costa did not deserve yellow card against Crystal Palace – Conte

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Costa did not deserve yellow card against Crystal Palace – Conte

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, has said that Diego Costa did not deserve the yellow card he picked up in their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Costa was booked by referee Jonathan Moss after an exchange of words, before he went on to score the winner.

The Spain striker will not feature in the Blues’ next Premier League fixture at home to Bournemouth on Boxing Day, as it was his fifth booking of this season.

“Diego is playing very well,” Conte told Sky Sports.

“It’s a pity today that he took a yellow card, also [N’Golo] Kante [who will also miss the Bournemouth game]. He doesn’t deserve this yellow card in my opinion. He’s playing for the team and this is the most important thing for us.”

Conte has now overseen a 11-game winning streak, with Chelsea going nine points clear at the top of the league before Sunday’s matches.

The Italian hailed his players for their concentration against a difficult Palace side.

“We played with great concentration against a strong team, a physical team,” he added.

“[Palace] tried to play long balls and second balls, and when they tried to do this they are very dangerous. I’m pleased for the commitment of my players. We scored the goal and created the chances to score another goal.

“It wasn’t easy to win our 11 games in a row. It’s fantastic. I’m pleased for my players because they deserve this.

“I think the most important thing is we are a team in every moment of the games. When we have to suffer we suffer together, when we have to play football we play football. I hope to continue to work in this way to improve, but I’m pleased for my players because I see every day their commitment in training sessions.”