Chelsea ended a disappointing run of three Premier League games without a win with a convincing 2-1 win over Hull City. Antonio Conte switched to his preferred 3-5-2 formation for the trip to Hull, although a drab first half from The Blues showed signs of worry for the Italian.
But Chelsea began the second half in much better fashion and broke the deadlock through Willian’s sublime effort. They doubled their lead only a few minutes later when Diego Costa finished in similar fashion to the first goal, to put his team 2-0 up.
The Tigers have endured a difficult start to the campaign in terms of fixtures after already facing Leicester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in their opening seven games, although, Mike Phelan’s side will enjoy a slightly easier run in the coming weeks.
Hull City
David Marshall: 5/10
Didn’t have a single save to make in the first half but was kept on his toes in the second as Chelsea moved forward with intent. Was helpless to prevent both goals.
David Meyler: 4/10
Played out of position to cover for the injured Ahmed Elmohamady, Meyler struggled at right-back. Was offered little help by Snodgrass as Marcos Alonso and Eden Hazard caused problems down the left flank.
Curtis Davies: 6/10
Made a few outstanding tackles to deny Chelsea but was let down by his teammates poor defending. Martialled Costa fairly well throughout the game.
Jake Livermore: 4/10
Another player played out of position, Livermore was given a tough time by the Chelsea attackers. The former Tottenham man will be itching to play in his preferred midfield position.
Andrew Robertson: 4/10
Struggled throughout the game, initially against Victor Moses and then Pedro. The Scottish international has surely enjoyed better games at left-back.
Sam Clucas: 7/10
Was exceptional in the first half, sitting deep in the Hull midfield. Passed the ball with precision while also keeping Hazard and Costa at bay. Replaced towards the end by Huddlestone.
Ryan Mason: 6/10
Like most of Hull’s players, Mason enjoyed a much better opening half but barely had a touch of the ball in the second, as the visitors dominated possession. Tested Courtois with a decent long range effort.
Markus Henriksen: 5/10
Had to work hard to help out his defence, spent more time chasing the ball around and was unable to provide anything in attack.
Robert Snodgrass: 6/10
The Scotsman has been in fine form this season but was offered little to work with against an improved Chelsea defence. Provided a few good deliveries from set-pieces but to no avail.
Adama Diomande: 4/10
Often left Robertson isolated on the left-hand side after failing to track back. Barring a few early runs, provided no threat to the Chelsea defenders.
Dieumerci Mbokani: 6/10
Despite being left completely isolated up top, Mbokani did extremely well whenever he had a chance to hold up possession but with his team sitting so deep, the striker had little assistance.
Substitutes
Shaun Maloney: 4/10
He had a limited impact on the game after coming on for Diomande after the hour mark.
Abel Hernandez: 3/10
The Uruguayan came on in the 72nd minute for Henriksen but barely saw any of the ball, and offered little in the attacking department.
Tom Huddlestone: N/A
The Englishman replaced Clucas with less than 10 minutes left in the game, and had almost no impact on the game.
Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois: 6.5/10
The Belgian stopper has received his fair share of criticism this season but was on hand when his side needed him today, making a couple of crucial saves. Today’s clean sheet is only his second clean sheet of the season.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6/10
The Spaniard was restored to right-back after Ivanovic was dropped. He was quite comfortable in his more natural position. Was confident and calm in his defensive duties.
Gary Cahill: 6/10
Another Chelsea player under scrutiny in recent weeks, Cahill put in a good defensive performance, although was not tested to the full extent.
David Luiz: 6.5/10
Played as the last man and was on point to cut out any threat that Hull threw at him. Had a few nervy moments in the first-half but was much more solid in the second.
Marcos Alonso: 6.5/10
The Spaniard started his first game in the Premier League for Chelsea and had a good outing. Strong in his defensive duties while also providing an outlet for Chelsea to attack down the left-hand side.
N’Golo Kante: 7/10
Provided with much more freedom in midfield since joining Chelsea, Kante missed a glorious chance to open the scoring - blasting his shot over the bar and missed an empty net. Was otherwise in top form in the Blues midfield.
Nemanja Matic: 7/10
The Serbian switched positions with Kante, and played as the holding midfielder. It seemed to benefit both players. Made a darting run through the Hull defence in the build up to Costa’s goal. Was booked in the first-half for the third time this season.
Victor Moses: 8/10
The Nigerian winger was one of Chelsea’s brightest sparks in attack, although he did operate at a right-wing for most of the game. Caused all sorts of problems for Robertson and had a decent shout to earn his side a penalty waved off by the referee.
Willian: 8/10
Took up a more central position and caused worries for the Hull defence with his movement. Opened the scoring with a superb curling effort that beat Marshall all ends up. Arguably, the best player on the pitch.
Eden Hazard: 7/10
Started the game playing as a secondary striker to Diego Costa. Was not as effective as he is capable of, but caused a few problems with his silky movement on the ball. Replaced by Oscar in the second half.
Diego Costa: 8/10
Six goals in seven games now for the Spanish striker. Costa was, as usual, a handful to deal with and he capped off a good performance with a fine finish to seal the game with Chelsea’s second of the game.
Substitutes
Oscar: 6/10
Did well after coming on to replace Hazard. Didn’t waste possession as his team looked to see out a deserved win.
Pedro: 5/10
Replaced Moses and picked up from where the Nigerian left-off. Could have added another goal for the Blues in the dying minutes.
Nathaniel Chalobah: N/A
Replaced Willian in the final minutes of the game as Chelsea sought to see out the three points.
