Costa back with a bang as Chelsea go eight points clear

Chelsea 2 Hull City 0

Diego Costa scored on his return as Chelsea moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Amid speculation over the striker’s future following his absence for last weekend’s win at Leicester, Costa was given a rousing reception from the home fans at Stamford Bridge, where Gary Cahill’s late header sealed the win.

Having volleyed wide in the opening 10 seconds, Costa broke the deadlock in first-half injury time with a first-time shot from Victor Moses’ low cross.

And Cahill headed home Cesc Fabregas’ left-wing free-kick with 10 minutes left.

Hull, struggling near the bottom of the table and having lost Ryan Mason, who was stretchered off following a first-half clash of heads with Cahill, nevertheless caused Chelsea problems.

The visitors were also unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty early in the second half when Marcos Alonso tripped Abel Hernandez in the area.

Chelsea finished strongly, however, largely thanks to a double substitution which saw Fabregas brought on along with Willian.

Costa was denied by a save from keeper Eldin Jakupovic and then given a standing ovation when he was withdrawn late on.

Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso; Pedro (Willian 70), Costa (Batshuayi 87), Hazard (Fabregas 70).
Subs not used: Begovic, Ake, Zouma, Chalobah.