Chelsea returned to winning ways with a confident 2-0 triumph against Hull at the KC Stadium.
Despite a slow start, the Blues dominated proceedings and took the lead through Willian just after the hour mark. The brilliant Diego Costa then wrapped up the game with his sixth goal of the season.
A new-look Chelsea with three central-defenders completely shut out the hosts, who suffered three consecutive home losses for the first time since 2011.
Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois – 6: Made a very smart stop from a deflected free-kick and was not overly tested after that – it was a big save given Chelsea’s poor starts recently.
Victor Moses – 8: The most unlikely Man of the Match performance from the Nigerian. He was superb as a wing-back, marauding down the right and giving Chelsea plenty of drive.
Gary Cahill – 6: Given the armband and it was a much more controlled performance from the English international. Largely unfazed by an unimaginative Hull.
David Luiz – 6.5: Looked shaky early opposed to Dieumerci Mbokani but settled relatively quickly. His delivery from deep was first class.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6.5: A standard no-fuss performance in an unfamiliar role as central-defender. Added another string to his versatile bow.
Marcos Alonso – 6: Put in some teasing deliveries from the left in his maiden Premier League debut. A solid foundation to build on.
N’Golo Kante – 8: A faultless opening hour was undone by a disappointing miss, but he shone in a more free-flowing role in Chelsea’s new system.
Nemanja Matic – 6: Made some rash challenges mixed with some signs of a return to previous form in a more defensive role. Set up the second goal for Costa.
Willian – 7: Some disappointing deliveries from set pieces were forgotten with a sublime curling effort that put Chelsea ahead.
Eden Hazard – 6.5: Covered all bases playing just behind Costa, and was given more room to move with wing-backs moving forward. Improved from past weeks.
Diego Costa – 7.5: Continues his outstanding form under Antonio Conte. Maintained his 100 percent scoring record against Hull with a well-taken sealer and his hold-up play was brilliant.
Substitutes
Pedro – N/A: Came on as a late substitution for the brilliant Moses.
Oscar – N/A: Replaced Eden Hazard with 10 minutes remaining and the sting out of the contest.
Nathaniel Chalobah – N/A: Barely given any time, but it was a Blues Premier League debut for the academy product after his 89th minute introduction.
Hull City
David Marshall – 6.5: Was completely helpless when it came to both goals. Produced a fine save from Hazard at the start of the second half.
Andrew Robertson – 4.5: Could not deal at all with Chelsea’s brilliance on the right-hand side. Was often double-teamed by Willian and Moses and gave the ball away for the first goal.
Curtis Davies – 6.5: Lucky to not have conceded a penalty late against Willian but it was otherwise another solid showing from the centre-half, with Hull under pressure for a large portion of the game.
Jake Livermore – 5.5: Still forced to play out of position. Booked in the first half and could not handle the Blues’ late barrage of pressure.
David Meyler – 4: A disappointing performance from the right-back, with both Chelsea goals coming from his side and was poor with distribution.
Ryan Mason – 5: Not a great display from the former Tottenham man, with the visitors having their way in midfield after being afforded too much space.
Markus Henriksen – 6: The Norwegian was given his League debut and he adapted quickly, although faded as the Blues took control.
Robert Snodgrass – 6: The home side’s most likely attacking option: could have continued with his outstanding recent form if not for an early Courtois save.
Sam Clucas – 6.5: A typically industrious outing from the midfielder. Did not stop running and looked to be one of the only Tigers players looking to provide some energy.
Adama Diomande – 4.5: Finally given an extended spell on the pitch but he struggled – gave the ball away too many times in possession.
Dieumerci Mbokani – 6.5: Looked like the hosts most likely option and ran at Chelsea’s defensive line early, yet he was starved of opportunity after a positive start. Stuck to his guns in his League debut for his new club.
Substitutes
Shaun Maloney – 4: Replaced Diomande with just under half an hour remaining, but the Blues were well and truly in the ascendancy.
Abel Hernandez – 4: Could not impact the game after playing the final 20 minutes.
Tom Huddlestone — N/A: Came on as a late substitution for Clucas.
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