DIEGO COSTA: From inspiration to liability.

As with any Chelsea fan on the planet, I have loved Diego Costa since he came to our club. However, he has become a mere shadow of the player he was last season. Maybe it's time to start Loic Remy.

Think back to the Diego Costa of last season and you think of his goals, his movement, his enthusiasm for the game and the influence he had on opponents. He would get involved in a scuffle or two because that is part and parcel of his game which we gladly accept but it was everything else about his game that was making more headlines for the right reasons!

However, last night became a pivotal moment for me this season sitting there watching him. The enthusiasm seems to have gone, the movement is limited to say the least and the goal threat is literally no more. Something needs to be done here and quickly!

I am certain that Costa can rediscover his form of last season but he MUST work hard to do it. Even Ray Wilkins has stated the same:


It's his real lack of movement that really stands out and watching a game on TV doesn't show the full story. As the cameras follow the ball across the pitch, they will pick up on a run Costa makes and it looks like he is doing everything as he did last season. However, sitting in the stands, looking at our midfield in possession of the ball, looking for that run, more often than not, it doesn't happen and our play moves from side to side instead.

That's what has caused Chelsea so many problems this season. That out-ball we had isn't on as often has it was last term, there is no run being made when it's a prime opportunity and the option we have up top is few and far between.

When Costa gets the ball and gets himself into goalscoring positions he struggles to convert the chance into a goal and more often than not that glorious opportunity passes him by whereas a year ago it would have been gobbled up without question.

Maybe it is time for Loic Remy who has scored goals throughout his career. With Radamel Falcao out injured and Costa struggling, it the perfect opportunity for the Frenchman to step in and make a real fight of the starting spot in Jose Mourinho's team.

One thing is for sure. If Chelsea are going to climb their way back up the Premier League table we MUST have the Diego Costa of last season up front because so far, he has been non-existent this time around!