Kurt Zouma: Teammate Diego Costa “Likes To Cheat A Lot”
Soccer News: Chelsea striker Diego Costa infuriated Arsenal with his antics during the 2-0 win on Saturday that saw Gunners defender Gabriel sent off after clashing with the Spain international.
“Everyone knows Diego and this guy likes to cheat a lot and put the opponents out of his game, and that happened in the game,” said Kurt Zouma, Chelsea Defender. “He’s a real nice guy in the life and we are very proud to have him.”
Gabriel became involved after Costa grappled with Koscielny, pushing the defender in the face with his hands before catching him with a flailing arm.
But Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said he hoped referee Mike Dean would look again at Costa’s actions before filing his match report. After further review, Costa has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association. However, the FA also charged Gabriel with improper conduct and both clubs with failing to control their players. Arsenal will be appealing Gabriel’s dismissal and three-match ban. Costa has until 18:00 BST on Tuesday, 22 September to respond to the charge, which was missed by officials but caught on video. Gabriel and both clubs have until 18:00 BST on Thursday, 24 September to reply to their charges.
Zouma scored the first goal against Arsenal and was a tower of strength in defense – and said he is still learning from skipper John Terry, who was on the bench at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho was seething when Costa was retrospectively sanctioned in February for treading on Liverpool’s Emre Can, part of what the Chelsea boss perceived as a “campaign” against his side which included a Sky Sports montage entitled ‘Costa’s Crimes’.
