Chelsea FC: Loic Remy Carrying The Blues Over The Line

Oh come on not again! The thought on every Chelsea FC supporter’s mind when Diego Costa waved to the Blues bench on Saturday after only 12 minutes of action.

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The Spanish striker — who has battled a niggling hamstring injury all season — was brought on as a second-half sub by Jose Mourinho, but the look on his face as he left the pitch said it all.

A look fans are all too familiar with. Anyone who watched last year’s Champions League final would probably remember.

Costa was unable to play for his country during the last international break, but Mourinho took a chance on him when he needed a goal against Stoke City. The manager may face criticism for rushing the striker back, but these are the risks coaches have to take when chasing titles.

The Portuguese boss has confirmed that the forward will be out for a few weeks, but there is one player he knows he can depend on to get past the finish line.

Loic Remy hasn’t had many minutes on the pitch this season, but his contribution to the team has been absolutely fantastic. The Frenchman has scored seven goals for the Blues, having only started 12 games.

He has always been a hard worker, and now he is finally getting the recognition. His game-winner against Stoke was the second in as many games, as he also got Chelsea past a stubborn Hull City a few weeks ago.

Remy is making the most out of his chances and scoring when it matters. He will be expected to continue, especially as Costa doesn’t look to be coming back any time soon.

Mourinho recently claimed that he owes the former QPR forward, but now he is left without a choice — for a couple of weeks at least.

"“He’s a great boy and his contribution for us is already crucial with these two match-winners in the last two matches.”“He trains fantastically well. He keeps himself in great condition to come to matches, even without many, many minutes to be ready for us, so I’m really pleased and everybody’s pleased for him.”-Jose MourinhoSource: Daily Star"

The Blues seem to have a problem keeping leads this season. After going up 1-0 through an Eden Hazard penalty, they contrived to concede the goal of the season when Charlie Adam struck from 65 yards out.

Remy’s winner was much closer — and nowhere near as spectacular — but Mourinho says he loves this type of striker’s instinct.

"“Every striker has this in them, so when Eden Hazard recovered the ball you could see immediately he sprinted to score what I call an easy goal.“But I love strikers to score easy goals. The tap-in when the goalkeeper has an incomplete save, attack the ball in a low cross, rebounds — I love the easy goals from a striker. So I’m really happy with him.”"

The Blues have so far maintained their lead at the top, with Arsenal creeping into second spot and Manchester City yet to play.

Remy will need to pick up where Costa left off, and so far, he doesn’t seem bothered.

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