Conte thanks fans after Chelsea win

Antonio Conte thanked Chelsea fans after his reign as manager began with a dramatic 2-1 victory against West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

Diego Costa fired home an 89th-minute winner to give the former Italy boss a memorable, winning start.

And Conte declared: “It’s fantastic – and I have to say thanks to the Chelsea fans for the welcome.

“It was fantastic to see the Italian flag in the stands. I had a bit of emotion – my wife and my daughter too.

“I hope to work with the players to repay the fans.”

West Ham looked like snatching a point when James Collins’ 75th-minute equaliser cancelled out Eden Hazard’s penalty.

But Costa had the final say when he belted in from 25 yards, and Conte felt justice was done.

“We deserved this victory because we created a lot of chances. I’m very happy with the attitude of the players,” Conte said.

“To have a great team, having the right spirit is important, and they show me a great work-rate every day.

“I’m delighted with the performance. I saw a lot of things we are working on. I saw the right intensity in the players.

“We know we can improve, but today it was very important to get the victory.”

Meanwhile, West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admitted that Chelsea deserved their win.