Cahill: Chelsea’s Costa is back to his best
Diego Costa ended his goal drought in style against Southampton in midweek, and Chelsea skipper Gary Cahill insists the Blues squad never lost the faith.
The 28-year-old Spain international had not scored in five matches in all competitions before Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over the Saints, but was the difference with a double at Stamford Bridge.
Those were his 50th and 51st Premier League goals for the club, and after linking up well yet again with both Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas, Cahill claims the Spaniard is back to his best.
“I was delighted for Diego, I thought his fourth goal was absolutely brilliant,’ said Cahill, who also scored to put the Blues ahead just before half-time.
“We have full confidence and belief in him as a squad of players. We know what he can produce, we were just waiting for him to deliver and he delivered. You’re not going to score in every game.
“Eden’s been chipping in with some important goals lately but Diego produced a great performance and I really felt the fourth goal was something special.
“It was a glimpse of what he’s been like for the majority of the season for us. I’m buzzing he scored and put in a performance like that.”
Cahill missed Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham through illness, but is back to full fitness and returned to the starting XI against Southampton.
And the England defender admits he is relishing the added responsibility of the captain’s armband while club skipper John Terry remains on the bench.
“I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve had it for a lot of this season and I’ve enjoyed the added bit of pressure on my shoulders,” he said.
“I tried to give it to John (Terry) when he came on but he’s a bit superstitious and I don’t think he wanted it. It’s given me another challenge and a bit more responsibility, but everything’s the same.”
