Chelsea held on to their six point lead at the top of the Premier League after something of a scare against struggling Hull. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa put the visitors ahead, before Ahmed Elmohamady got one back and Abel Hernandez equalised for Hull. The Blues’ blushes were saved, however, as Loic Remy grabbed a fortunate winner, keeping the league leaders comfortably ahead of City in the race for the title.
There were few changes for Chelsea between the draw with Southampton and this trip, with Cesar Azpilicueta being replaced by Filipe Luis. Oscar made way for Ramires, with Cesc Fabregas being pushed forward into the number 10 position. That aimed to get Fabregas in the middle of the action, but he wasn’t the man to break the deadlock early in the first half.
Eden Hazard scored the opener less than two minutes into the game, giving the Blues the perfect start. After back to back draws in their last two games, Chelsea needed that start to recover from their recent below par performances. After seeing Manchester City win the day before, a victory here was necessary to keep up their advantage at the top of the league. Luckily, Costa added another goal to that lead just minutes later.
The Spaniard cut inside while in possession and drove the ball home to give his side a two goal lead, capping off an excellent start to the match. After three consecutive 2-0 wins over Hull, that goal made it look like the match was over almost before it had got going, but in truth it was just beginning. After bursting to two goal lead, Chelsea’s players seemed to relax a little too much, which allowed Elmohamady to pull a goal back. The Egyptian’s effort looked like a probable consolation at the time, but it was part of a swift comeback.
Seconds later, Thibaut Courtois handed Hull an equaliser, passing straight to Hernandez who levelled the scores. The Belgian keeper had been looking to pass to Ivanovic, but he played it too short and it landed at the Uruguayan’s feet. While it was a horrible error, he did make up for it with three quick reaction saves in the second half when Hull were dominating the game. That kept the Blues in it, and then they grabbed a winner with a rather fortuitous effort.
Loic Remy replaced Costa, and just four minutes after coming on he fired home the winner. Remy’s shot squirmed under Alan McGregor, and that strike handed them a huge three points in the title race. With just nine games left to play, Chelsea have a six point lead with a game in hand over City, and the title is within sight for the Blues.
With no other competitions to focus on, Chelsea’s main aim is to end the season as champions. While their recent performances haven’t been great, this result will surely boost morale, and it should be the kick they need to go on to secure the Premier League title.
LCN Man of the Match: Eden Hazard