Can Chelsea cope without Diego Costa?

There is a lot of talk about Chelsea’s depth up front and a lot of talk about the sustainability of Diego Costa’s form, given there is some question marks over his fitness. Costa has been excellent wit eleven goals in eleven games, but he is now suspended having picked up five bookings this season. Costa will subsequently miss tonight’s game with Spurs.

Jose Mourinho played down the absence of Costa.

“If he’s suspended, he’s suspended. He can rest, he can be fresh against Newcastle and against Tottenham, Drogba and Remy will have their opportunity to start the game. No problem, let’s go.” Mourinho declared after the 0-0 draw with Sunderland.

Clearly he doesn’t feel that there is much of an issue.Some people have hinted at a potential over-reliance on Costa. He is after all the clubs leading goal scorer with 11 Premier League goals.The next top scorer is Eden Hazard with four. Costa is the main goal threat. But, the club are well stocked to cover his absence. Didier Drogba and Loic Remy have two goals from two starts between them. The pair also have three goals in two starts between them in Europe. They can clearly fill some of the void even if neither player is at the standard of Costa.

Chelsea are creating a lot more chances this season which is one reason why they’re scoring more goals. This isn’t just down to having Costa, who is obviously an upgrade on last seasons striking options. Bringing in Cesc Fabregas was equally as significant. He’s creating a host of chances for his team-mates and helping add a new edge to Chelsea’s build up play. This has been one of the major reasons why Chelsea are such a goal threat now, not just the fact that they have a marquee striker. Didier Drogba or Remy are both better than the options Chelsea had last season and as such we can expect either to come in and continue to offer a presence up front. Costa is more physical and mobile than the pair, but for just one game it’s not a major problem. Chelsea should have the goals in them to score against Spurs.