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But against Everton we saw the other ways in which he compares favourably to his departed predecessors.

Costa showed the kind of confidence and sharpness so obviously lacking in £50m-man Torres, and the assured touch that always seemed beyond the enthusiastic but technically-limited Ba.

Eto'o demonstrated he is still a fine finisher by coming off the bench to score on his Everton debut. But, aside from his age, there are other reasons Mourinho allowed the 33-year-old to leave - he has never had the bustling physical presence that Costa possesses, or shown the same willingness to track back.

"It was not just Costa's attacking play that was impressive but also his defensive play," former Toffees defender and coach Phil Neville said on Match of the Day. "Every time there was a gap to fill he was back there making challenges. It shows what a team player he is."

The latter is the characteristic Mourinho values more than any other.
Causing a commotion

As well as scoring twice against Everton, Costa also picked up another booking to go with his harsh caution for diving against Burnley.

He was also the subject of a difference of opinion between the two managers. Mourinho argued that Everton's players had "tried to create problems" for Costa, but Toffees boss Roberto Martinez criticised the striker's propensity to go to ground.

The Chelsea manager said: "He has two yellow cards - one against Burnley when he did not simulate and it was a clear penalty, and one in this game where everyone was chasing to get him into trouble."

Did Mourinho have a point? "Some of the Everton lads were trying to wind him up," said BBC pundit Danny Murphy on Match of the Day. "They were giving him little nudges in the back.