Chelsea 2-0 Hull City
Jose Mourinho hailed the performances of Eden Hazard and Jon Obi Mikel as Chelsea overcame Hull City at Stamford Bridge to remain three points clear at the top of the Premier League.
A goal in each half from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa was enough to beat Steve Bruce’s team as Tom Huddleston saw red in a bad tempered second half.
Mourinho suggested his side were always in control but did admit Hull made it difficult for them to play their usual game.
He said: “It was not a special performance, it was just a good enough performance. We were never in trouble. The ten against 11 didn’t change the game.
“Steve’s team was very well organised and made it difficult, but we scored early and I think the team felt quite comfortable and we never felt any danger.
“Eden Hazard is a great kid and he had a chance to rest midweek, so we could see his freshness and it’s always good to have on the pitch a player like him. John Mikel Obi also had a very positive performance.”
Chelsea dominated from the outset and were ahead within seven minutes as Hazard strolled into the box unnoticed to head in Oscar’s floated cross.
However, despite a promising start, the absence of Cesc Fabregas became evident as Mourinho’s men struggled to create any clear-cut chances.
Willian and Costa received yellow cards for diving as Chelsea pushed forward another goal.
Referee Chris Foy was in the spotlight as he showed Huddleston a deserved red card for a late, knee high challenge on Filipe Luis during a feisty 25-minute period which included seven yellows and a red.
Costa doubled the home side’s lead with a well-placed finish with 20 minutes remaining after Hazard’s throughball to get back to winning ways after last week’s surprise defeat to Newcastle.
Mourinho added: “It didn’t look like a physical game.
“In Chelsea we are clean. Willian was in the middle of the pitch, so not even a reason to dive, and I don’t think Diego’s is a dive.”
Image courtesy of Brent Flanders, with thanks
