Chelsea are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after beating Hull at Stamford Bridge. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 2-0 victory.
Well protected by his defence and was alert when called upon, denying Harry Maguire with a smart save.
Typically solid on the right of the back three and linked up nicely with Victor Moses to launch attacks.
Composed at the heart of the Blues defence. Was well protected by N’Golo Kante in front of him though.
A captain’s display John Terry would have been proud of. Recovered well after a horrible clash of heads with Ryan Mason, did a solid job at the back and headed in the second goal to seal Chelsea’s victory.
Worked hard on the right – and needed to because Hull posed a threat out wide. Set up the opening goal for Diego Costa.
Didn’t have things all his own way against a Hull side that performed very well and competed in midfield. But Kante stuck to the task and gradually gained control.
Also dug in when Hull posed a threat. Won plenty of challenges, used the ball sensibly and his positional sense was excellent.
Unconvincing at times – not least when Chelsea somehow escaped without a penalty not being awarded after Alonso tripped Abel Hernandez. A hurried clearance after that brought groans of frustration from many of the home fans. On the plus side he was involved in some good attacking play and went close to scoring in the first half with a deflected shot.
Not at his best, but his trickery and movement nevertheless caused Hull problems. He got through a fair amount of work off the ball too.
Took up some excellent positions but, like Hazard, wasn’t at his fluent best.
An emphatic return for the striker, who volleyed wide in the opening 10 seconds and eventually found the net with a first-time shot from Moses’ low cross – Costa’s 15th goal of the season. He was typically robust up front, but the impressive Harry Maguire did well for Hull.
Sent on midway through the second half when Chelsea needed some extra impetus. He had exactly the desired effect, delivering a free-kick for Cahill to head home.
Brought on with Fabregas and also helped to lift Chelsea after a decent spell from Hull.
This post was last modified on 23/01/2017