Chelsea take over at the top of Premier League after beating Middlesbrough

Diego Costa’s 41st minute strike gives Chelsea a sixth straight victory as they climb to the top of the Premier League standings, a point ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City.

Updated on: Nov 20, 2016, 23:46:30 IST

By Anonymous

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Chelsea moved to the top of the English Premier League on Sunday after a first-half strike by Diego Costa earned the visitors a convincing 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough.

Chelsea's Diego Costa celebrates scoring against Middlesbrough on Sunday. The one-goal victory has pushed the London club to the top of the Premier League standings. (REUTERS)

Chelsea dominated the game and was rewarded for its unrelenting pressure when Diego Costa scored four minutes before the break, reacting quickest to a loose ball after a goalmouth melee and firing home from close range. It was his 10th goal of the season.

Middlesbrough showed more ambition in the second half but the next clear chance also fell to Chelsea, shortly after the hour mark, when defender David Luiz pushed forward and sent a high cross into the area. Costa headed the ball back invitingly for Pedro Rodríguez - but his first-time shot slammed against the crossbar.

After six consecutive league wins without conceding a goal, Chelsea now has 28 points from 12 games in Antonio Conte’s first season in charge.

Liverpool and Manchester City have 27 points each, with Arsenal in fourth with 25.

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.