Diego Costa praised by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte for trying to keep the peace

Antonio Conte was left delighted after Chelsea’s 3-1 victory at Manchester City and was particularly pleased with the character the players showed

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was quick to praise Diego Costa for his peacemaker role following the 3-1 victory at Manchester City.

The Spanish striker sparked the Blues' comeback from 1-0 down when he scored on the hour, but he also attempted to calm things down when tempers flared in the closing seconds of the match.

Sergio Aguero saw red for a reckless knee-high lunge on David Luiz, with his City team-mate Fernandinho then given his marching orders after reacting to Cesc Fabregas in the subsequent scuffle.

Watch the unsavoury scenes at the end of Manchester City's 3-1 home defeat against Chelsea that resulted in two red cards

Costa, who has had plenty of disciplinary problems in the past, remained calm, though.   

"Diego is showing he is using his passion in the right way and I'm very happy about that," said Conte, whose side ended Saturday three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

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Image: Tempers flare at the Etihad as Gary Cahill of Chelsea and Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City square off

The Italian was also content with his side's performance as they notched their eighth successive league win.

"I think today was very tough and the game was open until the end. There were lots of chances for both teams to score," he added.

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Image: Costa celebrates scoring Chelsea's first goal against Manchester City

"I saw lots of character from my team and that's very important to grow. But we must continue to work and improve."

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