Antonio Conte praised Chelsea’s spirit as they produced late fireworks to see off West Ham United.

Diego Costa struck a late winner to get Conte off to a dream start in the Premier League with victory at the first attempt for the Italian.

Eden Hazard had opened the scoring from the penalty spot before James Collins levelled the score and Costa had the last laugh.

New Blues head coach Conte went wild on the touchline, celebrating with supporters, as the vital blow was struck to end a battling London derby triumph for the home side.

“I think the team played a good game.” Italian Conte remarked. “Good spirit! The right intensity also.

“Now we have to prepare the next game. Today was good and I’m happy, but from tomorrow we have to think of the next game.

“I want to say thanks to the fans because they followed the team to the end. It was a physical game but today I’m delighted.”

Costa was perhaps fortunate to find himself in a position to win the game for Chelsea as the Hammers were calling for him to be sent off for a challenge on goalkeeper Adrian.

Boiling point: Adrian of West Ham United reacts to a tackle by Diego Costa
Match winner: Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates scoring

The fiery Spaniard made a late lunge on the keeper while already on a yellow card, however Blues chief Conte felt the officials had made the right decision.

“I didn’t see it,” explained the new boss. “I saw Diego put the pressure on the goalkeeper and tried to stop, in my opinion the referee took the right decision.”

Slaven Bilic gave his take on the incident: “He had already been booked. I don’t think it was deliberate though. That’s not why we lost; I’m more concerned with conceding late.”

Conte entered the field at full-time to congratulate his team, led by John Terry, and the captain believes Chelsea have set the standard for future performances with this victory.

Chelsea's superb derby win over Wes Ham in pictures:

"It is very important for us to get off to get off to a good start,” he added. “We did not start off or finish well last year.

“That is the fight and commitment we want. We dug in in the London derby and that is great for the management.

"Eden Hazard is up there with the best in the world. We relied on him too much last year, he cannot do it on his own.

"To ourselves, to our supporters and to our friends and family, we will slowly get there. The consistency is important, the winning start was vital."

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