Chelsea beat Hull City 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, as Eden Hazard scored one and made another for Diego Costa to brush past 10-man Hull City.
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In truth it was hardly a vintage performance from Jose Mourinho’s side despite Hazard’s header in the 7th minute setting them on their way. Tom Huddlestone was sent off 30 minutes from the end and Costa sealed the win with a clinical finish.
With their eight-straight home win Chelsea stay top of the PL on 39 points, while Hull remain in the bottom three on 13 points.
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With one of their first meaningful attacks of the game Chelsea took the lead as Filipe Luis whipped in a great cross which found Hazard unmarked at the back post to nod home. 1-0 to the Blues.
Son of Hull’s manager, Alex Bruce, had to replace Michael Dawson after the latter pulled his hamstring but Hull grew into the game and Chelsea were sloppy in possession as the first half wore on.
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In the second half Chelsea continued their lackluster play and Hull almost equalized in the 51st minute as Jake Livermore squirmed a shot just wide. Moments later Gary Cahill went down in the box but did not get the penalty kick he wanted from referee Chris Foy.
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In the 60th minute Foy issued a red card to Huddlestone as he jumped in and stamped on Luis. No complaints from the Hull midfielder as his side were down to 10-men.
Chelsea made the most of that advantage as Hazard played the ball to Costa and the Brazilian striker finished well under pressure. Late in the game Andre Schurrle and others had chances to extend Chelsea’s lead but the Blues eased to victory.
LINEUPS
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Luis, Matic, Mikel (Ramires, 82'), Willian (Schurrle, 80'), Oscar (Drogba, 78'), Hazard, Costa.
Goals: Hazard (7'), Costa (68')
Hull: McGregor, Elmohamady, Dawson (Bruce, 10'), Davies, Chester, Robertson, Meyler, Livermore, Huddlestone, Jelavic (Ramirez, 74'), Aluko (Brady, 64')