Sub Remy gives Chelsea victory at Hull

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Hull City 2 Chelsea 3

Loic Remy came off the bench to score the winner as Chelsea recovered from surrendering a two-goal lead in an enthralling game.

Eden Hazard and Diego Costa scored stunning early goals but Ahmed Elmohamady and Abel Hernandez deservedly drew Hull level and the Blues were fortunate to be all square at the interval.

But 75th-minute substitute Remy ensured the Premier League leaders regained their six-point advantage after a much-improved second half when his shot squirmed past Allan McGregor.

Chelsea had seemed set to dominate after a blistering start.

Hazard ran on to Costa’s excellent lay-off to smash home the opener inside two minutes.

And, after a fine Courtois block denied Hernandez, Costa bent in his 19th league goal of the season from a tight angle to double the away advantage.

But Chelsea were sloppy in possession, fortunate to be leading and were second best for the rest of the half.

Andrew Robertson teed up Elmohamady to slot home for 2-1 after 26 minutes and the equaliser came 74 seconds later when Branislav Ivanovic’s backpass left Courtois in difficulty, and the Belgian’s indecisive footwork presented a simple chance to Hernandez.

Hull remained on top thereafter but, crucially, Chelsea held on for 2-2 at the interval.

Fabregas should have made it 3-2 soon after the restart following some brilliant interplay on the right, but the Spaniard dragged his shot wide.

Courtois then had to make a brilliant triple save to keep Chelsea level, denying Elmohamady, Jake Livermore and Gaston Ramirez in rapid succession.

And Chelsea made the most of the reprieve when Remy, who had only been on the pitch for 90 seconds, turned home the winner from Willian’s cross.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Filipe Luis; Fabregas, Matic; Ramires (Oscar 61), Willian (Zouma 80), Hazard; Costa (Remy 75).
Subs not used: Cech, Azpilicueta, Loftus-Cheek, Cuadrado.

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