The Sun had a story today, the gist of was something to the effect of: Diego Costa will start for Chelsea against Sporting Lisbon as Jose Mourinho gambles with his star striker’s fitness. Well, I guess the gamble paid off as Costa played and Chelsea dominated Sporting today with a 1-nil victory in the UEFA Champions League. Costa had a clear chance and blew it.
Which was surprising given what his form has been lately. But the bigger issue is Jose Mourinho and how he’s saying he’s going to go about managing Diego Costa.
The Special One has looked like the hypocritical one as he says the Premier League’s leading scorer isn’t allowed to go away and play for Spain in international competition. Yet he’s fine to play in Europe for the Blues in mid week and then also Premier League play on the weekend?
Double standard anyone?
I guess this is a question with no clear answer, and it’s fodder for endless debate. Make your thoughts and feelings known in the comments section.
With today’s victory, Chelsea now have four points in Champions League Group G play, putting them atop the group standings. They have a 98% chance of advancing to the knockout round; according to Soccer Power Index. Moving on to Premier League play. Here’s the TV info for the match against the Gunners via NBC:
“First-place Chelsea and forward Diego Costa, the Premier League’s leading scorer with eight goals, host unbeaten Arsenal and forward Danny Welbeck this Sunday, Oct. 5, at 9:05 a.m. ET on NBCSN and Telemundo, highlighting this weekend’s Premier League coverage. NBC Sports Group’s Premier League lead play-by-play announcer Arlo White calls the match joined by former Chelsea defender Graeme Le Saux at Stamford Bridge.”
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and very often writes The Sports Bank.net ,which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his features stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2