Saturday 26 September 2015 17:34, UK
Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has questioned whether Diego Costa's temper makes him a better player.
The Chelsea forward was handed a three-match ban for violent conduct after an incident with Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny last weekend.
And Nicholas believes the former Atletico Madrid player's attitude on the pitch is having a negative effect on his game.
"When Costa was in Spain - becoming a star when Falcao left - yes he would stop and have an argument and have a row with some players, but he was never like this." Nicholas said on Soccer Saturday.
Costa has scored twice in seven appearances for Chelsea so far this season. Last season, the Spain international scored seven goals in his first four games and Nicholas thinks the 26-year-old's current strike rate may improve if the he could control his temper.
"He's scored two goals this season, is he a better player now because of what happened last season? Last season, he had six or seven goals by now. I think he's taking something away from the game," Nicholas said.
Last season, he had six or seven goals by now. I think he's taking something away from the game.
"You watch him last season against Arsenal, Arsenal were petrified because he was running behind them. He didn't really upset Arsenal [this season] until he got physical with them.
"If Jose and Chelsea think that was how they were happy to get it [the result] then fair enough, that's modern day football.
"He is not changing to make himself a better player."
