Hull City 2-3 Chelsea
Jose Mourinho conceded Chelsea should have already secured the Premier League title but is confident they will do so soon after beating Hull City.
The Blues stormed into an early two-goal lead inside the opening ten minutes, only for Hull to draw level, scoring twice in the space of two minutes.
A second-half goal from substitute Loic Remy ensured victory for Mourinho’s side and maintained their six-point lead at the top.
While happy with their position, the Blues boss feels his side should be further afield at the league’s summit.
“The title race should be over, in normal conditions Chelsea should have eight, ten or 12 more points than we have but football is unpredictable,” he said.
“At this moment we have a six-point lead with one match in hand, which could help us or not.
“I’m pretty confident, I believe in my players, I believe we can do it but I know it’s difficult.”
Eden Hazard gave Chelsea the lead after two minutes with Diego Costa following up in the ninth to bring him level with Harry Kane as the league’s joint-top scorer on 19 goals.
Ahmed Elmohamady pegged one back for the hosts before an uncharacteristic Thibaut Courtois howler allowed Abel Hernandez to equalise 74 seconds later.
The Chelsea keeper made up for his error after the break, pulling off a spectacular triple save to keep the score level.
After coming on for the injured Costa, Remy scored with his first touch, prompting Mourinho to admit he is indebted to the Frenchman.
“Every time he plays he’s there. He probably deserves more than what I’ve given him,” he said.
“Sometimes a coach can feel he owes something to a player and with Remy that’s the case.
“I think I owe him something, every time he plays he gives us a lot, I’m so happy for him because he deserves it.”
Mourinho may have the opportunity to repay Remy with more game time after Costa picked up a hamstring injury and is expected to miss their next match at Stoke City after the two-week international break.
Hull manager Steve Bruce drew positives from his side’s performance ahead of the relegation battle they now face.
“The players have put in a hell of a shift, when I look back and analyse it, we showed we’re ready for the challenge that lies before us,” he said.
“I thought we deserved something from it. If we keep playing like that we’ll be fine.”
