Conte believes a collective will is imperative and says Chelsea have it, despite the uncertainty over Costa’s future, which may have passed, for now. After some patient build-up in added time, Costa reacted sharpest in the area to put the Blues in front. “We are delighted to have him back in the team and we’re delighted to have him scoring again, which he’s been doing all season”.
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“But if Costa cries off or isn’t in form, there are a couple of options there to go with with Ibrahimovic”.
Kick-off is set for 4:30pm GMT.
The long stoppage time was a result of a head injury to Hull midfielder Ryan Mason, who went to hospital after being carried off on a stretcher wearing an oxygen mask. Having beaten Swansea in the FA Cup the weekend before they now have a small bit of momentum, so it’s a shame that they now run into the top-flight’s best team. He’s had plenty of bust-ups in his career but never downed tools on a manager, and Chelsea need him too much to let any issues linger.
Alonso then forced Eldin Jakupovic into a full-stretch save with a shot which deflected up off Michael Dawson and nearly looped over the Hull keeper. “I think after his performance that I made the best decision”.
The striker proved central to Chelsea’s attacking moves throughout the game, latching on to a Victor Moses cross with a sharp finish just before halftime to give the leaders their crucial breakthrough.
Hull started the second half strongly and should have had a penalty when Marcus Alonso clumsily clipped the heels of Abel Hernandez.
Of course, selling a forward that has scored 14 goals in 19 Premier League matches this season may be seen as foolish.
Chelsea have dominated possession, territory, corners, etc. but crucially, have not quite dominated shots, which is why it’s only 1-0 at the half (well that, and some more poor refereeing).
Hull threatened, but Gary Cahill doubled his side’s advantage to ensure that Chelsea would be taking all three points.
Chelsea in the lead, but there’s room for improvement.
Fabregas was then at the centre of the action again as he slotted through Costa only for his worldwide teammate to be thwarted by Jakupovic. Mason and Cahill clash heads.
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The Blues are top of the table with 55 points after 22 games – it’s only the fourth time that tally has been reached at this stage in Premier League history – but they are now preparing for arguably the biggest two weeks of their season.
