‘Costa is a target’

the 18th minute and converting an overhead kick with nine minutes left after Swansea had struck twice in quick succession.

In addition to his goals, the 27-year-old was involved in running battles with Swansea defenders Jordi Amat and Federico Fernandez.

Conte felt Amat should have received a second booking for a succession of heavy challenges on Costa, who himself avoided a second yellow after going to ground easily under pressure from goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

And the manager wants officials to ensure his combative striker does not get kicked out of games.

“I am surprised that they did not have a player sent off,” said Conte after the game. “The defender deserved a second yellow card.”

Chelsea skipper John Terry left the Liberty Stadium on crutches with an ankle injury. Conte said: “I don’t know the extent of the injury but he is a warrior and I am not worried.”

Swansea manager Francesco Guidolin refused to be critical of Costa staying down after several tussles with his centre-halves.

“Costa is a champion,” he said.