Boss Antonio hails striker's brace in Chelsea's 4-2 win over Southampton; says Brazilian must now take Blues over the finishing line in title race
Diego Costa, Antonio Conte
Chelsea's Diego Costa celebrates his goal against Southampton during a Premier League match on Tuesday. Pic/Getty Images
Londob: Diego Costa scored his 50th and 51st Premier League goals as Chelsea overcame spirited Southampton 4-2 on Tuesday to establish a seven-point lead at the top of the table.
Chelsea's prospects of a trophy double in Conte's first season in charge remain alive, with 12 points needed from the final five games to clinch the league title before the May 27 FA Cup final with Arsenal.
Diego ends barren run
Costa ended a seven-match scoreless streak for Chelsea with goals at either end of the second half, taking his tally to 51 in 85 Premier League games.
"Everyone feels a bit of pressure," Conte said. "For strikers it's very important to score. Goals are your life. I always said I'm very pleased with his commitment, his work for the team. I was always confident about him. Now he must continue," Conte added.
Eden Hazard and Gary Cahill scored in the first half for Chelsea, while former Blues duo Oriol Romeu and Ryan Bertrand replied for Saints as Conte's men conceded for an 11th successive Premier League game.
Antonio Conte
Conte's frustration with his side's defending was evident when he kicked a medical bag in his technical area during the second half. He said: "In that moment I wanted to kick the ball and I took the bag as a ball, because sometimes I want to play."
The Italian praised the mental resolve of his Chelsea side after they re-established a seven-point Premier League lead over Tottenham. "We passed a big step, a big psychological step after the defeat against United. Against United we lost three points and then we had to prepare for a semi-final against Tottenham and then another tough game in the league.
'Title race not over'
"I think that in that moment we have had a really important test, psychological test. Our answer was very good. For this reason I must be pleased. But we must think that this race is open. We are ready to fight until the end," Conte added.
85 No. of games Costa has taken to score his 50th EPL goal, one game faster than Luis Suarez
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