Zouma: Costa likes to cheat a lot

Chelsea centre-back Kurt Zouma has risked the wrath of club management after suggesting team-mate Diego Costa cheats to get opponents out of the game.

The Spain international has faced a barrage of criticism in the wake of his side's 2-0 victory over Arsenal which related to his involvement in Gunners defender Gabriel's second-half dismissal.

The unsavoury scenes that blighted the Premier League clash were largely attributed to the actions of Costa, who seemingly goaded the defender into lashing out.

While none of the Arsenal players will take kindly to Costa's antics, Zouma insists the Chelsea team fully appreciate all of the striker's efforts.

"We're not surprised because we know Diego," Zouma told beIN Sport. "Everyone knows Diego and this guy likes to cheat a lot and put the opponent out of his game.

"That happened in the game but he's a really nice guy. We're proud to have him, like the other players, and we're happy to win this game."