Chelsea manager Antonio Conte feels striker Diego Costa deserves credit for his 'incredible' discipline and goal-scoring form in the Premier League this season.

Costa has developed a reputation as an ultra-aggressive forward, following a string of unsavoury incidents during his first two seasons in England.

However, after his match-winner in the 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Sunday - his 12th goal in 15 appearances - the former Atletico Madrid man registered his ninth consecutive game without a booking.

And Conte is confident the Spain international can continue in the same vein going into the busy festive period.

"It's incredible," he told reporters. "If you think that, after the Arsenal defeat, Diego had four yellow cards and was on the edge, he continued to stay on the edge. It's incredible.

"January is arriving, no? I think he can arrive in January without a yellow card - I hope - but it's important to continue.

"Diego is, for sure, a great striker. He can continue to improve his football, but I'm satisfied with the work we're doing with him and the team. I'm happy for him, I'm happy for the team, for Chelsea and the fans, because he's showing great passion.

"Diego likes to play football and he's showing great passion in every game that we play, great commitment, he's good without or with the ball to help the team. It's fantastic. It's important to continue this way, but I'm very happy for him."