Diego Costa delighted to show up Chelsea's critics by winning the Premier League again

With Cesc Fàbregas deputising for N'Golo Kanté, who fortunately picked a game where he was not needed at all to miss through injury, Chelsea easily dismissed hapless Middlesbrough on Monday night and sent them back down to the second division. Chelsea had the easiest time dismantling The 3-0 scoreline could have been even more lopsided were it not for Chelsea's own rule of only scoring goals by nutmegging Boro goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

In any case, the presence of Mr. Magic Hat for the full 90 minutes unsurprisingly resulted in him assisting Costa for a goal — the assist was initially taken away, but has seemingly been reinstated, and rightly so. Meanwhile, it was Costa’s 20th league goal of the season and yet another important strike in Chelsea’s quest for the three points and the Premier League title. Seven of those 20 goals have opened the scoring in a match this season (Ed. note: game-changing goals!).

"It was very important to win the game today, since Tottenham lost to West Ham. So we were well aware of the importance of this game. And playing at home with our supporters, we knew we had to win."

"I think there is no better [source of] concentration than knowing that we only need to win one match to get the Premier League title. Now we need to enjoy the moment, we know the next match is an important one and that we can win the championship. When we get to play the game [against West Bromwich], we will do our best to win the league as soon as possible."

Chelsea's quick return to winning ways has made it easy to discard the memories of last season’s problems, but Diego has not forgotten the criticisms both he and the team, in general, received. That Costa runs on the salty tears of vanquished enemies is perhaps the least surprising revelation of all time.

"I believe that the players that were here in the previous season, considering all the criticism we got back then, we all knew how important it was to enter the pitch and show good football; to win, and score goals. I think that is what we have to show on the field."

"So, there is nothing better than the people who once criticised us now having to watch the team be victorious. It will be a [big] accomplishment winning the Premier League."

-Diego Costa; Source: ESPN Brasil

Before this week is done, Costa could once again be a Premier League champion. Two titles in three years is not a bad record at all, and it might not even be the end!

But before we worry too much about the future, now it’s time to close the deal. Need one more win, ideally on Friday, then one more win in a few weeks in the FA Cup final.