DIEGO COSTA scored twice, including an 81st-minute equalizer, as Antonio Conte maintained his unbeaten start to life as Chelsea manager in a 2-2 draw at Swansea City on Sunday.

    The irrepressible Costa leveled with a deflected but spectacular overhead bicycle kick after Branislav Ivanovic’s shot had been sent spinning in his direction.

    The goal, Costa’s fourth in as many games, spared Conte from his first loss in English soccer after two controversial Swansea goals in three second-half minutes had cancelled out Costa’s opener.

    “It’s a bit difficult to talk about the game because we lost two points,” Conte told Sky Sports.

    “It’s a pity because when you have the possibility to kill the game, you must kill the game.”

    Swansea manager Francesco Guidolin said: “It is a good result against a very strong Chelsea team.”

    Swansea’s comeback marked an incredible turnaround for the Welsh side, which had been second-best against a Chelsea team seeking a win to join Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

    The visitors were made to pay for their string of misses in the 59th minute when a rare Swansea attack saw Modou Barrow cross for Gylfi Sigurdsson, who was tripped by Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

    Courtois was booked and Sigurdsson converted the ensuing penalty himself.

    Just three minutes later, Gary Cahill was caught in possession by Leroy Fer 25 meters from the Chelsea goal.

    Television replays suggested the defender had been fouled, but Fer was allowed to advance before rolling the ball beneath Courtois.

    The Belgian goalkeeper scrambled back, but could not prevent the ball crossing the line.

    Costa first struck 18 minutes into a half of almost relentless Chelsea pressure after Swansea’s defensive frailties were exposed.

    Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski elected not to collect a cross and Federico Fernandez’s two poor headers failed to clear the danger.

    Oscar pounced on the loose ball and neatly teed up Costa to unleash an impressive curling finish from just inside the Swansea area.

    By that stage, Chelsea had already wasted at least two very good chances, Willian’s terrific shot stinging Fabianski’s hands and the goalkeeper saving well from the Brazilian’s cross-shot.

    (SD-Agencies)