COSTA GETS ONE OVER SUAREZ

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has reached 50 Premier League goals faster than former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez – Barcelona’s current striker who Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal reportedly teased for losing to Juventus when both sides met at the El Clasico recently.

Chelsea saw off Southampton 4-2 at home on Tuesday. Diego Costa grabbed a brace in the game and also made a goalscoring record.

Costa is the eighth quickest player to break through the 50-goal mark in Premier League history. He does this a game fewer than Suarez. However, United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, City star Sergio Aguero and Arsenal ex top goal poacher Thierry Henry did it in fewer games.

Andy Cole reached the milestone the quickest in 65 games. Magpies legend Alan Shearer did it a game more than Cole but it took Nistelrooy 68 matches. Liverpool former striker Fernando Torres made a feat when he reached the 50-goal mark in 72 games following his transfer from La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

Aguero, also from Atletico, reached the mark in 81 matches, two fewer than Kevin Phillips. Henry also did it in 83 games but Costa has now done his in 85 games. Ian Wright did it a game later than Suarez to complete Ashley Cole the top ten.

Chelsea are now almost clear to lift the league with the victory. Spurs, who are four points behind, seem to have ceded the league hopes to them. Chelsea were heavy favourites but after a few shock losses, the title seemed open. However, Antonio Conte and his boys seemed to have regained control.