Football Word12: Middlesbrough 0-1 Chelsea as it happened: Diego Costa sends Blues top of the table

MIDDLESBROUGH 0-1 CHELSEA FT

• Costa (40') opened the scoring

• Middlesbrough: Valdes, Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Fabio, de Roon, Clayton, Forshaw, Traore, Negredo, Ramirez.

• Chelsea: Courtois, Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill, Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso, Pedro, Diego Costa, Hazard.

20.11.2016

14:53

Jamie Anderson

20.11.2016

Should Chelsea sell Cesc Fabregas?

Yes (115 votes)

No (106 votes)

Keep him, but only as a squad player (38 votes)
18:37

Jamie Anderson

I'm off folks,

We'll be bringing you comprehensive coverage of Burnley's trip to West Brom tomorrow evening - I bet you can't wait for that!

Night!
18:35

Jamie Anderson

ANTONIO CONTE

I am very proud but we must know we have to continue in this way.

I told the players we must start well after the international break and I think we had the right concentration to win a tough game.

I knew this game would be difficult because this team is well organised and they are in good form. But we deserved to win because we scored the goal and created many chances for a second goal.

The first five minutes wasn't good for us. Middlesbrough started very well and we started badly but during the game our possession got better and we started to move the ball quicker. Also we didn't concede and stopped any opportunity for them to score.

The league doesn't finish today but its the first time we have lead this season.

It's not going to be easy but we must be happy for our hard work and commitment.

Now I will tell our team we have work to do.
18:26

Jamie Anderson

Chelsea moved top of the table and William Hill make them 9/4 joint favourites to win the Premier League alongside Manchester City in the betting. Liverpool are the third favourites at 3/1.

William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly said: "For the first time since Pep Guardiola took over at Manchester City, they are lone favourites as Chelsea ominously moved to the top of the league and joined City at 9/4."

Premier League winner: 9/4 Chelsea; 9/4 Manchester City; 3/1 Liverpool; 7/1 Arsenal; 16/1 Tottenham; 25/1 Manchester United; 500/1 BAR
18:24

Jamie Anderson

AITOR KARANKA

I am really pleased with the attitude of my players.

We knew it was going to be hard but we are in the Premier League and one mistake gets you punished.

Diego Costa is one of the top scorers in the world. Before the game I said to my players you can't lose him for one second and they lost him.

I am not worried about the look of the league table at the moment because all I am concerned about is the performances.

If the performances were bad I would worry but if the performances are good then we will start to win games.
18:19

Jamie Anderson

BEN GIBSON

We stayed in the game and fought until the end, we could not get a point.

We are really disappointed to be beaten by a set piece. A lot of positives to take.

In the second half, we got out of the blocks quickly and made a game of it. they were not comfortable by any means. We can take a lot of heart and positives out of this.

We have played Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea and we have come out of each one with a lot of merit.

We are a tough squad and we will stick together. Playing those giants, we still believe we can get something from the games.

We limited Diego Costa and dealt with him quite well. He is tough, wants to wrestle you and feel you but he finished his one chance.
18:18

Jamie Anderson

What's that famous Sir Alex Ferguson quote?

'Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.'

I think Antonio Conte has clearly been listening.
18:15

Jamie Anderson
18:11

Jamie Anderson

VICTOR MOSES

We showed good character from the start, we had a few chances in the first half which we should have taken.

In the second half, they came at us and we were strong at the back. We did very well today.

I am delighted and excited to be in the first 11, the new manager wants to give the youngsters an opportunity to express themselves.

The top is very tight. The Premier League is a hard season and we want to take each game as it comes.
18:09

Jamie Anderson

Just thought I'd share a few of Sky Sports' pointless statistics.

Obviously you were desperate to know what percentage of successful passes Chelsea completed in Middlesbrough's half.

And how Boro bossed the percentage of successful long balls...
18:07

Jamie Anderson

GARY CAHILL

Confidence is up in the side and we are playing well.

We are getting the results too which is the most important thing. We have carried on from where we left off at the int break.

We are in a good moment on the training ground and working hard. When you are winning games, it is easy to play.

We are happy with today's work, the league is not won today, it is not even Christmas yet.
18:01

Jamie Anderson
17:59

Jamie Anderson

FT: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

How does that look Chelsea fans? One point ahead of Liverpool and a fairly sizeable nine points ahead of Manchester United - are we counting them as title rivals?
17:57

Jamie Anderson

FT: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Not too shabby.
17:55

Jamie Anderson

FT: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Stay tuned folks, we've got all the post-match reaction coming your way shortly.
17:53

Jamie Anderson

FT: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Chelsea have gone top of the Premier League.
17:51

Jamie Anderson

92: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

I bet Middlesbrough fans feel like hugging and throttling Adama Traore in equal measure.

He's been a constant threat and created opportunities but seems allergic to playing the simple pass.

Oscar now replaces Eden Hazard. He doesn't want to come off though.

#Sulk.
17:49

Jamie Anderson

FOUR MINUTES ADDED TIME
17:48

Jamie Anderson

89: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA - SUB

Branislav Ivanovic replaces Victor Moses, who's had another impressive game.

Grant Leadbitter also comes on for Adam Forshaw.
17:46

Jamie Anderson

87: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

It's getting tense now. Middlesbrough are throwing men forward but that final ball is letting them down.

Three minutes to find an equaliser.
17:44

Jamie Anderson

85: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Chelsea win a free-kick in a dangerous area - step up, David Luiz.

The Brazilian takes three steps before blasting over the bar.

I think that effort drew a cheeky smile from Diego Costa.
17:43

Jamie Anderson
17:41

Jamie Anderson

80: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at the Riverside Stadium.

So wasteful. A rare stray pass by Kante finds Traore in space just outside the Chelsea penalty area but the winger blazes over the bar.

That why he's playing for Boro and not still at the Nou Camp.

Wait a minute....that's a good ball by the former Barcelona youngster.

Negredo cleverly controls the ball before hooking a volley towards goal but Courtois reacts quickly to push it behind.
17:39

Jamie Anderson

79: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA - SUB

Antonio Conte replaces Pedro with Nathaniel Chalobah.
17:39

Jamie Anderson

78: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA - CHANCE

What an effort.

Adama Traore breaks through the line but his lay-off to Alvaro Negredo goes behind the striker.

The Spaniard still manages to flick it with his feel and volley to force a save from Thibaut Courtois.
17:37

Jamie Anderson

75: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA - CHANCE

Whoops.

Adama Traore tries his luck from distance but gets it horribly wrong and sends it high into the stands.

Silly because he had options.
17:35

Jamie Anderson

73: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA - YELLOW CARD

N'Golo Kante receives a booking for a push on Adam Forshaw.

Calum Chambers clearly feels left out so pulls down Diego Costa to join him in the book.
17:32

Jamie Anderson

71: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA - SUBS

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has made his first substitutions of the afternoon.

Steward Downing replaces Fabio, and Viktor Fischer is sent on for Adam Clayton.
17:30

Jamie Anderson
17:36

Jamie Anderson

68: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at the Riverside Stadium.

What a move!

David Luiz breaks up a Boro attack before pinging the ball towards Costa who unselfishly head the ball backwards towards Pedro whose first-time shot shakes the upright.

Moments later, Costa provides another assist for Moses but from close range, he blasts over.

Boro's best bet looks like being Traore whose dancing skills have caused one or two problems.

But he wants far too much time when he finds himself in the final third and is eventually crowded out.
17:24

Jamie Anderson

64: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Updates from our reporter, Paul Brown.

Not sure enough credit given to Conte for signing Alonso. Seemed an underwhelming transfer but has made whole change of system possible.
17:26

Jamie Anderson

63: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA - WOODWORK

It's just not Pedro's day.

The Spanish winger was somehow denied by Victor Valdes earlier and now his thumping effort crashes into the the bar having been played through by Diego Costa.
17:22

Jamie Anderson

61: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Much better from Middlesbrough. The hosts are camped inside Chelsea's half but can't produce a killer ball.

It might be because Alvaro Negredo's the only man in the area.
17:27

Jamie Anderson

60: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at the Riverside Stadium.

Better but not good enough. Ramirez' shot is at least within radar distance of the Chelsea goal.

Negredo dummies Clayton's pass inside and the Uruguayan steadies himself before pulling the trigger from just outside the box but he can't keep his effort down.
17:16

Jamie Anderson

56: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at the Riverside Stadium.

That just about sums up Negredo's afternoon so far.

The former Manchester City forward has not found the net since the opening day of the season. And the barren run will drag on with finishing like that.

He shoots from the edge of the box and his effort is so horribly sliced, it goes out for a throw in.

Time for Jordan Rhodes, Aitor?
17:14

Jamie Anderson
17:12

Jamie Anderson

53: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA - YELLOW CARD

Maybe I spoke too soon about Adama Traore.

He's got some terrifying pace but his decision making, passing and execution still need work.

Cesar Azpilicueta earns himself a booking for a foul on Martin De Roon.
17:09

Jamie Anderson

49: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at the Riverside Stadium.

The second half is just 22 seconds old when Alonso has the chance to double Chelsea's lead.

Hazard guides a Moses cross into his path and the wing-back tests Valdes with a fierce drive. The keeper blocks and Chambers clears just ahead of Pedro.
17:05

Jamie Anderson

45: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

We're back underway. No changes for either side.

Chelsea almost double their advantage after Eden Hazard releases Marcos Alonso, whose drilled shot is parried away.

The Blues look very, very bright here.
17:04

Jamie Anderson

Chris kamara calls bacary sagna sacary bagna
17:04

Jamie Anderson

I know I took a pop at Niall Quinn's gaffe earlier but few could ever match Chris Kamara.

Yesterday he dropped another classic - take a look for yourself.
17:01

Jamie Anderson

HT: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Michael Ballack is clearly the worst dinner party guest.

After tweeting during dinner to say he's watching the Chelsea match, he's been continuously writing messages.

#BallackWatch
16:57

Jamie Anderson

HT: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Fantasy League managers across the nation will probably be rejoicing after Diego Costa's strike.

Not me though.

Spare a thought for my dreadful team, that now depends on West Brom striker Solomon Rondon to spare me from another terrible week.
16:53

Jamie Anderson
16:49

Jamie Anderson

HT: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA
16:49

Jamie Anderson

45: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at the Riverside Stadium.

That's the mark of a lethal marksman. Diego Costa has barely had a kick but he breaks the deadlock in the 41st minute with a typically opportunist goal.

Aitor Karanka's side pride themselves on their defensive organisation but were all over the place when Edin Hazard's corner came over.

Alonso flicked on, the ball hit Calum Chambers back and Costa pounced from close range.
16:47

Jamie Anderson

44: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA

How have Middlesbrough responded? Not particularly well.

Gaston Ramirez has shoved Cesar Azpilicueta out of frustration and Alvaro Negredo has sent a half-chance wide of the post.
16:50

Jamie Anderson

40: GOAL - MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 1 CHELSEA - COSTA

Chelsea have finally breached Middlesbrough's defence courtesy of Diego Costa, although they brought it on themselves.

The home side fail to deal with a routine corner and Costa reacts quickest to volleying it home.
16:42

Jamie Anderson

40: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA
16:40

Jamie Anderson

38: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

When your mate says he can't come out because his girlfriend won't let him...

In other, more relevant news, Eden Hazard continues to terrorise the Middlesbrough defence and has just seen a shot parried away by Valdes, who's now down injured.

Oh wait, he's back up.
16:37

Jamie Anderson

35: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

Quote of the match from Niall Quinn: "Chelsea really turning on the screws now."

I'd place a very large bet that it won't be his worst of the afternoon.
16:34

Jamie Anderson

32: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at the Riverside Stadium.

Former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes pulls off a stunning 23rd minute save to deny Pedro after Chelsea opened up the Boro backline for the first time.

Hazard found Moses whose perfectly weighted pass inside to Pedro demanded the appropriate finish only for Valdes to get a strong hand on the Spaniard's rising shot.
16:31

Jamie Anderson

30: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

Wow. What a save from Victor Valdes.

Victor Moses is released down the right flank and cuts an inch-perfect ball back to the onrushing Pedro, whose shot is tipped over the bar by Valdes.

That's one for his highlights reel, probably won't see too many from his days in Manchester though...
16:28

Jamie Anderson

27: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

Anyone want to guess how much possession Chelsea have enjoyed in the last five minutes? 91%…

Middlesbrough need to get themselves back on the ball, and quick!
16:27

Jamie Anderson

26: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

Michael Ballack is keeping a close eye on proceedings today.

Although I'm not sure how much of the game he's going to remember with around 100 bottles of wine in that fridge behind him.

Check please.
16:25

Jamie Anderson

23: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at the Riverside Stadium.

First chance for Chelsea - and it's a good one.

Eden Hazard feeds Victor Moses who runs at a backtracking Boro defence.

But he loses his composure at the vital moment, slicing his shot horribly wide.

Worryingly for the home side, Hazard is looking increasingly dangerous.
16:22

Jamie Anderson

20: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

Victor Moses cuts in from the right flank but his shot almost goes out for a throw-in after being crowded out inside the penalty area.
16:19

Jamie Anderson
16:17

Jamie Anderson

15: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

Wow, this Adama Traore fella is special.

The former Barcelona prodigy has just blazed past four Chelsea players before being hacked down.

#Rapid
16:14

Jamie Anderson

12: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at the Riverside Stadium.

Ramirez looks in the mood to match that spectacular goal in Boro's last home game.

He's released down the left and surges forward but his pass to Marten De Roon is just behind the Dutchman and the momentum is lost.

But Boro have opened brightly.
16:15

Jamie Anderson

9: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA - YELLOW CARD

Ah, so that's how you stop Eden Hazard.

Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Clayton has chopped Hazard down with a late sliding tackle, and receives a booking for his troubles.

The Belgium international hobbles onto the sidelines for treatment but he's alright.
16:08

Jamie Anderson

5: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

What a waste!

David Luiz is caught out trying to anticipate a pass that goes straight over his head to Gaston Ramirez.

The midfielder finds Alvaro Negredo, who stalls and drags his shot wide.
16:07

Jamie Anderson
16:04

Jamie Anderson

2: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

Tidy start from Middlesbrough. They've been trying to find Gaston Ramirez and Alvaro Negredo with some searching balls.
16:02

Jamie Anderson

1: MIDDLESBROUGH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

We're underway, and it's a sell-out!
16:00

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

Chelsea seem to have won the psychological battle at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough's captain Ben Gibson can't even look!
15:57

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at the Riverside Stadium.

High Fives for Chelsea!

Antonio Conte's side have won their last five games, kept five clean sheets and the Italian names the same side for the fifth successive game.

Boro make two changes, one enforced.

Former Manchester United defender Fabio replaces the injured George Friend at left-back while Gaston Ramirez, who scored that wonder goal against Bournemouth three weeks ago, returns following a one-match ban.
15:55

Jamie Anderson

Like the tweeting Joshy. Short and concise.
15:50

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

It's time for our world famous caption competition folks.

Let me know your guesses at the bottom of the page and I'll announce the winner later.

No prizes I'm afraid - but I suppose pride is the ultimate prize, right?
15:45

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

There's a lot at stake today.

Chelsea could leapfrog Liverpool to go top of the Premier League table, while Boro could propel themselves into 11th position - four points above the relegation zone.
15:40

Jamie Anderson

EDEN HAZARD

We are almost at the top and we want to star there. I hope I can continue my run.

After the Arsenal defeat, we changed the system and it has been much better.

Last season, my relationship with Jose Mourinho was always the same. In his career, he won all the time but we were together when at the top and suffered together too.

I sent him a message to say good luck and hope he wins some games. Not too many though, because we want to be champions.

I am still young, only 25 but I want to be the best. It is not in my head, I want to enjoy and play.

I don't want to be like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, I want to be me.
15:35

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

Eden Hazard is making his 150th Premier League appearance today.

He's already bagged himself 48 goals and 31 assists in his 149 matches - and I wouldn't bet against him adding to his tally this afternoon.

Although I see he's sporting a gilet jacket today… must have bought Tim Sherwood's style guide.
15:30

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

No sign of Cesc Fabregas or Oscar making their way back into the starting XI today - but Antonio Conte insists they're still very much in his thoughts going forward.

The midfield duo have seen precious little competitive action this season and that's led to widespread reports they could be sold in January.

However, Conte rubbished the claims in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

He said: "Oscar's future is Chelsea, full stop.

"For me, Oscar is an important player in the squad. He's in good form. It's logical I have to take the starting XI every week, but Oscar is a great player. For me, he stays at Chelsea.

"It's important that this message arrives for all. But Oscar will stay with us because I consider him an important player for Chelsea.

"The same speech as for Oscar. I anticipate this question."

That's sorted then...
15:25

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

Congratulations on the best name ever, Saxby. Use it wisely.
15:20

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois appears to have gone full Napoleon Dynamite in a recent interview with the Daily Mail.

Unfortunately he didn't discuss the actual movie, but he did talk about Jose Mourinho.

The talented stopper says the Chelsea players let the Portuguese tactician down last year.

He said: "He gave me a chance to play at Chelsea, he's a top manager.

"Sometimes it's not only the manager, but he's the first one that people look at.

"You see it everywhere in football, when results are not there then the first guy who has to go is the manager.

"It's not always the managers; sometimes it's also the players who we have to blame."

Agree Chelsea fans?
15:15

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

Well done if you're making the journey today Chelsea supporters.

And a special well done if you're making the journey on foot, which Google informs me will take around 82 hours...
15:10

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH TEAM NEWS

Just the two changes for Aitor Karanka today with George Friend missing out through injury.

Former Manchester United left-back Fabio da Silva replaces him - I'm sure he'll receive a warm welcome from travelling Chelsea fans.

Stewart Downing has been relegated to the bench in favour of Gaston Ramirez, who scored an absolute worldie against Bournemouth in October.
15:05

Jamie Anderson

CHELSEA TEAM NEWS

No changes for Antonio Conte this afternoon, that of course means both Eden Hazard and Diego Costa are fit and ready for action.

Cesc Fabregas returns to the bench, alongside Oscar, Branislav Ivanovic and skipper John Terry.

You don't change a winning team do you, especially after beating Everton 5-0.
15:03

Jamie Anderson

STARTING XI

Middlesbrough XI: Valdes, Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Fabio, De Roon, Clayton, Forshaw, Traore, Ramirez, Negredo.

Subs: Guzan, Bernardo, Nsue, Leadbitter, Downing, Fischer, Rhodes.

Chelsea XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill, Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso, Pedro, Diego Costa, Hazard.

Subs: Begovic, Ivanovic, Terry, Chalobah, Fabregas, Oscar, Batshuayi.
14:58

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

I'm not seeing Liverpool or Arsenal doors here? Oh, right…
14:56

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

Aitor Karanka is sweating over the fitness of George Friend, Antonio Conte is sweating over the fitness of Diego Costa - And i'm sweating because the lift is broken.

You may have guessed that I don't particularly like the phrase but like Piers Morgan - we're stuck with it.

Anyway, Conte will wait to make a final decision on whether to start Costa today.

The Spain striker withdrew from international duty with a groin injury and returned to training with Chelsea on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Middlesbrough have a major injury doubt over defender Friend, who faces a late fitness test after picking up a knee injury in training.

We'll have all the answers in around five minutes folks.
14:50

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

After yesterday's bone-chilling handshake between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho, It's quite refreshing to hear a manager speak nicely about his opposition.

And that's exactly what Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has done.

He believes Chelsea's lack of European __football this season can boost their bid to reclaim the Premier League crown.

He said: "Chelsea are definitely one of the favourites to win the league, especially when they are not playing Champions League football.

"Conte has settled in really well. They're really consistent, they're scoring goals and it's difficult to score against them.

"They are taking advantage of not playing midweek games in Europe."
14:45

Jamie Anderson
14:40

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

Doesn't Eden Hazard look thrilled to be the Premier League player of the month?

I think they could probably improve on the trophy though - looks like something I knocked up in wood technology at school.

Anyway, Antonio Conte was named Premier League manager of the month after leading the club to four consecutive wins in October.

While winger Hazard picked up the player's prize for the first time.

After scooping the award, the Belgium said: "People said I didn't shoot enough.

"Now I try to shoot and score every game when I'm on the pitch. Before I was thinking about the last pass to make an assist, now I can do it myself."

Well done, lads.
14:35

Jamie Anderson

MIDDLESBROUGH v CHELSEA

Believe it or not, I've actually been to the gym a couple of times and used one of these exercise balls.

I can't have been doing it right though because I was sweating and swearing for twenty minutes, while Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and N'Golo Kante are in hysterics.

New balls please.
14:30

Jamie Anderson

GOOD AFTERNOON,

Welcome to our live coverage of Middlesbrough v Chelsea from the Riverside Stadium.

On the surface of things - this looks like a banker for Antonio Conte.

Chelsea have won five Premier League games in a row, scoring 16 goals without reply.

While Middlesbrough have lost their last six games in all competitions to the Blues and failed to score during any of those.

But as anyone in __football will tell you - anything can happen!

Let's get going.

Football Word12

Middlesbrough 0-1 Chelsea as it happened: Diego Costa sends Blues top of the table

MIDDLESBROUGH 0-1 CHELSEA FT

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