Sports
Chelsea thump Hull City 2-0
Goals from Diego Costa and Gary Cahill spurred Chelsea to victory against Hull City on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
On return to the team, Costa scored the opener when he converted Victor Moses’ low cross from eight yards out in the added time of the first half to put the Blues ahead. And Cahill sealed the win when he headed home Cesc Fabregas’ free-kick nine minutes before the end of regulation time.
Hull midfielder Ryan Mason sustained a head injury, and was carried off on a stretcher wearing an oxygen mask following a clash of heads with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill.
Chelsea’s position at the top of the Premier League was looking far from secure last weekend. The Blues were five points clear after their long winning run was ended by Tottenham.
But Spurs’ draw at Manchester City on Saturday together with Liverpool’s defeat to Swansea City have made Chelsea’s victory a defining one.
Read Also: Sanchez’s late winner against Burnley moves Arsenal to second
The Blues are now eight points above second-placed Arsenal, the only other team in the top six to win this weekend (2-1 against Burnley FC).
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, whose side were far from spectacular against the Tigers, pointed out after the match that the Premier League is at its difficult period, and admitted that the win didn’t come easy regardless of the scoreline.
“This game was very difficult for us,” the Italian said.
“It is not easy to play this type of game. I think our opponent played very good, had good organisation and made it difficult for us.
“We are in the second part of the season and every game is now very tough for us and also for the other teams.
“You can see today the difficulty all of the teams have,” he stated.
Chelsea will host Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, and visit Liverpool in the Premier League on 31 January. Hull City, on the other hand, will host Manchester United in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg on Thursday, and go on an FA Cup visit to Fulham on Sunday. Their next Premier League game is however against United at Old Trafford on 1 February.
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