Shouts of ‘Diego, Diego’ ring around the ground now, as the player who looks to have provided the match winning goal for the hosts gets back to make a fantastic interception on the edge of the Chelsea rea following a lung-bursting run!
90' +3
Pedro gets yellow.
That goal seems to have breathed new life into Costa, as he drives into the box at pace, eventually going down under pressure from Masuaku, but there is nothing doing for the referee. Later in the move, Pedro lunges in late on Reid, picking up a deserved yellow card.
90' +2
N. Matić gets yellow.
Yellow card Nemanja Matić
89'
Diego Costa has scored a goal for Chelsea! Assist by M. Batshuayi.
GOOOOAAAAALLLLL!! COSTA WINS IT FOR CHELSEA! That’s a superb strike by the forward, who latches onto a good knock-down by Batshuayi before driving in a low, hard finish right into the bottom-left corner, sending the Stamford Bridge crowd - and his new manager - into raptures!
Well, Chelsea may have been linked to making a big money move for their former player Romelu Lukaku, but it appears that the strikers that they have are perfectly capable of scoring the goals to win the games, with Batshuayi turning provider for Costa on this occasion. It was a fantastic leap - and equally as fine header - from the former Standard Liege forward.
88'
MISS! Sloppy marking from West Ham allows Pedro to latch onto a loose ball at the back post, but the former Barcelona forward cannot hit the target with his volley. Moments later, Azpilicueta floats a brilliant cross in towards Costa, but the striker is just unable to make a connection.
86'
If the introduction of an extra striker by Conte was to be expected, what was unexpected is the removal of Eden Hazard, who is always likely to create a moment of magic. Nevertheless, the winger has been taken off, with Victor Moses - who spent last term on loan at Upton Park - his replacement.
85'
M. Batshuayi enters the game and replaces Oscar.
V. Moses enters the game and replaces E. Hazard.
Another change now, and another debutant, for Chelsea, as Oscar makes way for the £33 million signing Michy Batshuayi.
84'
A worrying moment for Chelsea, as Kante clatters into Kouyate in the centre circle. The midfielder picked up a yellow card in the fledgling stages of this match, but it appears Anthony Taylor will be more lenient on this occasion, and Chelsea’s No.7 will escape a red card on his debut.
82'
Unlucky! That’s a terrific challenge by Reid who, at full stretch, somehow manages to prevent Hazard’s precise throughball reaching Oscar, who had made a darting run into West Ham’s area.
80'
Pedro enters the game and replaces Willian.
A first substitution of the game now from Conte, who will surely be furious that his side haven’t already wrapped up the three points. On comes Pedro, who replaces Willian.
Minute
Description
79'
Superb defending by Terry, who gets across to make a last ditch diving header to prevent Carroll getting on the end of Payet’s cross. West Ham have suddenly got the upper hand!
77'
J. Collins has scored a goal for West Ham United!
GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!!! WHAT A STRIKE BY COLLINS! Well, I did warn you! From the resulting corner, Payet whips in a delightful cross, which deflects down to Valencia. His initial strike is blocked, possibly with the use of a hand by Azpilicueta, but the ball rebounds straight back to Collins who, on the turn, hammers the ball home with a venomous volley worthy of any striker! That’s just his ninth career goal!
76'
Blocked! It’s a decent effort by Payet, but his strike is deflected just wide buy the Chelsea wall.
75'
César Azpilicueta gets yellow.
Just to sum up how poor West Ham have been, they have only managed one attempt so far this evening, and none on target. Having said that, while the scoreline remains at 1-0, they are still well in the game, and sure to smart, brave play by Carroll, now have a free-kick 20 yards out from goal. Step up Dimitri Payet...
Another new law this season means that if a player protests against a referee’s decision, they are liable to receive a booking, and that has been the case for Azpilicueta here. Meanwhile, Payet waits to take this free-kick…
74'
STAT FLASH - Eden Hazard has now converted 10 of the 11 penalties he has taken for Chelsea in the Premier League. Talk about efficiency!
72'
It is Oscar who takes the free-kick he won himself, but his effort is directed straight into the wall. However, West Ham are unable to retain possession, and Conte’s man soon start to work another move forward from the back.
71'
Clever play from Oscar, who draws a reckless foul from Noble right on the cusp of West Ham’s area...
70'
An opportunity for Payet to make an immediate impact now, as Noble wins West Ham a free-kick down the left... The delivery is a decent one, but Ivanovic is well placed to head it clear.
68'
LUCKY ESCAPE! Adrian is so fortunate there, as he dallies on the ball for a few seconds too long, inviting a challenge from Costa. The ex-Atelti man - who is already on a booking - duly accepts the invite, raking a stud down the right leg of the West Ham goalkeeper, and is actually incredibly lucky not to receive a second yellow!
67'
D. Payet enters the game and replaces H. Nordtveit.
Here is that change, then, as Payet - who has retained his No.27 shirt from last term - replaces Havard Nordtveit, who has had a somewhat suspect debut.
66'
From West Ham’s point of view, it is all just too easy for the hosts at the moment, with Chelsea controlling proceedings. However, Bilic has finally decided the time is right to introduce Payet. He may well not swing the momentum of the game, but while the visitors are only one down they are still in the game, and with Payet’s quality may well fancy their chances of salvaging a result from what has been a lacklustre display.
64'
GREAT SAVE! Conte is - almost literally - kicking every ball down in his technical area at the moment, and his just side went agonisingly close to a second as Willian engineered some space and drilled a low strike across the face of goal, but Adrian does brilliantly to tip it wide. From the resulting corner, Terry rises highest, but he cannot direct his header on target.
62'
West Ham really are being dominated now, and you have to wonder just what Bilic is waiting for as still, Payet trots through is warm-up. The visitors are really running the risk of going further behind now...
59'
That’s a great interception by Cahill, who gets in a timely challenge to prevent Valencia, who had bettered the England defender for pace, racing through on Courtois’ goal.
57'
STAT FLASH - Conte is currently unbeaten in 28 successive league home matches as a club manager (W26 D2 L0), last suffering a home defeat in January 2013 (Juventus 1-2 Sampdoria).
54'
Sublime skill by Hazard, who uses his low centre of gravity and supreme balance to get away from Byram’s sliding challenge . He quickly turns the ball on to Costa, but the Spain striker is well marshalled by the experienced Collins. Meanwhile, down on the touchline, Dimitri Payet continues to go through his warm-up routine.
52'
S. Byram enters the game and replaces M. Antonio.
A second change of the game now for the visitors, but it is a defensive one, as Antonio - who appears to have let his mentality slip somewhat since conceding that penalty - is replaced by Sam Byram.
51'
Chance! Slack play again from Nordtveit, who has played poorly on his debut so far. The Norwegian once more concedes possession deep in West Ham’s territory, with Willian driving clear of his markers before squaring to Hazard, but this time Chelsea’s No.10 cannot get a shot away.
49'
A real test now for West Ham, who have been incredibly poor this evening. They have lacked any spark or impetus going forward, and it surely can’t be too long before Bilic introduces star man Payet into the fray...
47'
Penalty goal scored by E. Hazard for Chelsea!
GOOOOOOOAAAALLL!!! WOW! What a finish that is from Hazard. The Belgium winger has been the only player on top form so far this evening, and he now has a goal to show for his efforts as he blasts the spot-kick high into the roof of the net, giving Adrian no chance. Chelsea 1-0 West Ham!
46'
M. Antonio gets yellow.
SECOND HALF! Play is back underway at Stamford Bridge, with no changes to either side at the interval!
PENALTY TO CHELSEA! What an awful start to the second half for West Ham! First, Costa is put through on goal only for Adrian to make a great save. The rebound false out as far as Azpilicueta, who bursts into the area, and all Antonio can do is bring down the former Marseille man from behind, duly picking up a booking for his troubles.
45' +3
GOOD EFFORT! Willian, as ever, manages to get his strike up and over the wall and on target, but Adrian is well positioned to make a relatively easy save.
45' +2
One last chance now for the first-half, as Reid trips Costa around 25 yards out from goal. Free-kick specialist Willian is the automatic candidate to take the set-piece...
45' +1
Wasteful from Chelsea, as Willian’s poor delivery is cleared easily. Hazard manages to pick up the scraps, but despite a slaloming run, the Belgian is unable to find a decent cross, and the visitors get it clear.
44'
Willian goes short from the set-piece, with his compatriot Oscar then lofting a cross in. West Ham fail to clear, however, and only manage to concede a free-kick deep in their own half.
43'
Positive stuff from Cahill, as the England centre-back looks to get his side on the front foot with a decent run from deep, but the move eventually comes to nothing. Chelsea look to be in control now, but for all their territory and possession, have looked somewhat toothless up front, though Hazard does appear to playing close to his potential at least. As I write, Carroll - tracking back down the left wing - concedes a corner, which Willian will take...
40'
Poor play all-round! After a relatively bright start, West Ham are looking rather inept going forward, with Tore sloppily conceding possession high upfield. As ever, it is Hazard who leads the break for the hosts - the Belgian swiftly slipping a pass into Oscar, but the Brazilian is unable to pick out Willian when it comes to his own switch of play.
38'
That’s a hit! A first sighter of goal now for Costa, who picks up possession on the edge of West Ham’s area before hammering an effort at the target. It certainly had the power to leave Adrian flat footed, but unfortunately for the Chelsea striker, lacked the accuracy to give his side the lead.
37'
Great play by Willian, who capitalises on slack tracking by Valencia to race in behind West Ham’s defence and drill a wonderful cross into the six-yard box. Fortunately for the away side, Adrian gets down to make the save, though his handling had to be top notch due to the lingering form of Costa.
35'
G. Töre enters the game and replaces A. Ayew.
So, an untimely end to his West Ham debut for Ayew, who joins the likes of Sofiane Feghouli, Aaron Cresswell and Manuel Lanzini on the treatment table for the visitors. Tore is a more than adequate replacement, however, having enjoyed a key role under Bilic during the Croat’s time as Besiktas manager.
34'
Well, I may have just pre-empted a change there, as Andre Ayew’s West Ham debut appears to be coming to a premature end, with the Ghanaian having pulled up with what appears to be a thigh injury. However, Ayew’s replacement will not be the aforementioned Payet, but instead former Chelsea youth player Gokhan Tore, who is set to make his Premier League bow following his loan move from Besiktas.
32'
Dimitri Payet had a hand in 11 goals in his last 12 Premier League appearances of 2015-16 (three goals, eight assists), and so far, his presence up top has been sorely missed by West Ham. We are almost certain to see the France playmaker at some point this evening, but will it be sooner rather than later?
30'
CHANCE! Superb play by Hazard, as he weaves his way into the area at blistering pace before attempting to wrap his boot around the ball and curl a low finish into the far corner. For a moment, it appears as though the Belgian had hit the target, but the strike in the end whistles just wide.
28'
Chelsea’s 4-1-4-1 system, with Kante playing in a sweeping role at the base of the midfield, is at the moment allowing the hosts to really squeeze up on Bilic’s side, with Matic and Oscar both playing well in the more advanced roles, and seeing plenty of the ball to boot. The latter does well to regain possession deep in West Ham’s half, proceeding to slip a throughball into the path of Hazard, but his low cross cannot find a blue shirt.
26'
A slight lull in proceedings now at Stamford Bridge, following that glut of action a few moments ago. West Ham almost get in momentarily, but their attack is quickly brought back after Valencia is deemed to have fouled Cahill.
23'
It has certainly been an action packed first-half so far, with Conte constantly urging his side to press high up the field in the aim of regaining possession and forcing West Ham backwards. However, bar Ivanovic’s strike and Oscar’s claim for a penalty, there has been little goal mouth action to speak of as of yet.
21'
J. Collins gets yellow.
Costa’s booking is swiftly followed up by another caution, this time shown to James Collins, who had clattered in heavily on Oscar.
19'
Diego Costa gets yellow.
NO PENALTY! Huge appeals for a spot-kick now, as Oscar gets the better of Noble deep in West Ham’s area before driving on into the area. The Brazil midfielder stays composed as he drops a shoulder to get the better of Reid, who appears to drag Chelsea’s No.8 down in the area, but there is nothing doing for Anthony Taylor.
A yellow card now for Costa, as he goes into the referees notebook for dissent following that decision not to award a penalty.
18'
STAT-FLASH: Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League meetings with West Ham United at Stamford Bridge (W7 D3), and have not lost at home to them in the league since September 2002 (2-3). As I type, Antonio and Ayew look to combine with a one-two down the right flank, but the latter’s return pass is slightly overhit and the move breaks down.
16'
A fine moment then for Conte as, from a wayward Adrian clearance, the Italian cushions the ball with a deft touch that trickles into the path of his counterpart Bilic, bringing a light-hearted cheer from around Stamford Bridge.
14'
High and wide! Promising play from Chelsea from the resulting corner, but it eventually comes to nothing as Hazard, who has shown sparks of brilliance already this evening, flashes a venomous strike way over the target.
12'
CLOSE! Fantastic play from Hazard, as he turns out superbly before bursting forward down the left. Costa cannot control the Belgian’s eventual pass, but Willian is able to pick up the scraps and, after a fortunate deflection, his cross bounces into the path of the on-rushing Ivanovic, whose low left-footed strike is well saved by Adrian.
10'
Slack play from Adrian, as the West Ham shot-stopper drives a pass straight into Kante, who duly spreads it wide. Hazard and Matic attempt to combine to get in behind the visitor’s defence, but it is to no avail as Bilic’s men quickly squeeze up and regain the ball.
7'
A rather scrappy affair so far, with neither side able to exert any control in regards to possession, though it has to be said that West Ham have so far looked the most lively.
5'
A free-kick now in a dangerous position now for the visitors, as Carroll draws a foul just outside the area, slightly to the left of centre. In the absence of Payet, Valencia whips in the cross, but Courtois manages to claw the ball clear after Ivanovic had failed to make a proper contact with his initial header.
3'
N. Kanté gets yellow.
An early opportunity wasted now for Chelsea, as Willian fails to beat the first man from a free-kick down the left. West ham break swiftly, only for Carroll to be scythed down by Kante, who is given no leeway by the referee, as Anthony Taylor immediately reaches for a yellow card. Given the former Leicester City midfielder's combative nature, he may well be treading on thin ice for the rest of this match...
1'
KICK-OFF! We are up and running at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea get their campaign underway!
Hello, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to this LIVE coverage of Premier League football, as we bring you all the action from Antonio Conte’s first competitive game in charge of Chelsea, who play host to West Ham United this evening to wrap up the first round of fixtures in England's top tier!
After a disastrous campaign last term, it has been all change for Chelsea in the close-season, with Conte, after overseeing Italy’s ultimately fruitless Euro 2016 campaign, taking the reins at Stamford Bridge - the fixture list having thrown up a tricky first game for the former Juventus coach against one of last season’s surprise packages.
As for West Ham, Slaven Bilic guided them to a well-earned seventh-place finish last term, as they marked their final season at Upton Park. While the Olympic Stadium has hosted two games so far - a Europa League qualifier and a prestigious friendly against Juventus respectively - West Ham have to negate this clash with Chelsea first before the first competitive game at their new ground.
Conte has been left with a squad that many deemed in need of an urgent overhaul, but so far the west London side’s transfer activity has been fairly limited, though the two signings they have brought in - France midfielder N’Golo Kante, who starts this evening, and Belgium forward Michy Batshuayi - have added undoubted quality to a side that quickly fell out of love with Jose Mourinho in 2015/16.
Bilic, meanwhile, had no such issues last season, as Dimitri Payet inspired West Ham, who were unbeaten against Chelsea in the Premier League in 2015/16, to a top seven berth. The Frenchman starred for the host nation at Euro 2016, and though he starts on the bench this evening due to a lack of match fitness, will undoubtedly star again in east London in the coming campaign.
Team news is in now from Stamford Bridge. Let’s start off by assessing the host’s line-up…
TEAM NEWS - Chelsea substitutes: Begovic, Fabregas, Pedro, R.Loftus-Cheek, Moses, Batshuayi, Aina.
TEAM NEWS - Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Kante; Willian, Oscar, Matic, Hazard; Costa.
So, despite Conte having utilised a 3-4-3 formation for much of his time with Italy, he has switched to a more traditional - at least in regards to the Premier League - 4-1-4-1 system for this evening, with the restless Kante, who comes in at the expense of Cesc Fabregas, the only new face in their starting XI, with the Frenchman sitting in an anchor role.
TEAM NEWS - West Ham substitutes: Randolph, Obiang, Tore, Ogbonna, Byram, Payet, Oxford.
TEAM NEWS - West Ham (4-3-3): Adrian; Antonio, Reid, Collins, Masuaku; Kouyate, Nordtveit, Noble; Ayew, Carroll, Valencia.
Kante’s fellow new signing Batshuayi - signed for big money from Marseille - is on the bench, with Diego Costa, who has been linked with a move away from the club, starting up top. Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for Everton forward Romelu Lukaku, though the Merseyside club have denied that any bids have been made for the Belgian.
The key for Chelsea will almost certainly be the form of Eden Hazard. The Belgian winger mainly flattered to deceive at the Euros, following on from a dismal season by his own lofty standards, though the former Lille man did end the season with a flurry of goals, scoring four times in five games after going 11 months without netting in the league.
Three new signings in total then for Bilic in his starting XI, as he goes with his usual 4-3-3 system. Payet, as mentioned, is among the substitutes, while Andre Ayew, who arrived from Swansea in the close-season in a record deal for the club, starts alongside Andy Carroll - who netted twice against Juve last time out - in a forward line that also includes Enner Valencia. Former Borussia Monchengladbach man Havard Nordtveit gets the nod in midfield while, in place of the injured Aaron Cresswell, ex-Olympiacos defender Arthur Masuaku debuts at left-back.
Hazard is likely to start on the left for Chelsea, going up against Michael Antonio, the forward turned right-back who finished last term as West Ham’s second highest scorer. Ayew, who scored 12 in total for Swansea in 2015/16, will start ahead of the ex-Nottingham Forest man.
We’re just moments away from kick-off now at what is a full and vibrant Stamford Bridge - albeit an expectant one. Even though this is only Conte’s first game in charge, you almost get the feeling it is a ‘must-win’ for the Italian if he is to allay any lingering fears among the Chelsea faithful.
HALF-TIME! No goals then at Stamford Bridge as we reach the interval, but plenty of talking points! It’s Chelsea 0-0 West Ham.
Given all the quality on show, it has been a game rather lacking in quality so far at Stamford Bridge. West Ham have been poor, and have offered little threat going forward, with their lacklustre display compounded by an injury to debutant Andre Ayew. Chelsea have been passive at times, with Eden Hazard, who has performed well, their brightest spark.
The main talking point at this stage has been the penalty appeal for Chelsea, which came about when Oscar attempted to drive into the area, bypassing Winston Reid as he did so, only to go down under pressure from the New Zealand defender. Anthony Taylor waved away the Brazilian’s claims, however, and it appears that it was the correct decision.
FULL TIME! It’s all over at Stamford Bridge, where Diego Costa’s last-gasp strike has secured a 2-1 victory for Chelsea in their first match under the tutelage of Antonio Conte. It is a deserved triumph for the west London side, with West Ham just not doing quite enough to seal a share of the spoils.
After a first half lacking in quality, Chelsea got the second half off to the perfect start when Eden Hazard fired home from the spot. However, despite numerous chances in front of goal, the hosts failed to extend their advantage, and were duly pegged back when James Collins volleyed in from Dimitri Payet’s corner.
The match looked all set to head to a draw, but Costa - who has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in this transfer window - was having none of it, as he struck in a low finish from the edge of the area to seal the points and get Conte’s tenure off to a winning start.
Next up for Chelsea, it is Watford at Vicarage Road while, in West Ham’s case, they travel to Romania to face Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League before facing Bournemouth in their first Premier League outing at the Olympic Stadium, which has now been renamed as the London Stadium.
That’s all from me for now. Until next time, thank you and goodbye!
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