Three things we learnt from Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Hull City

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Chelsea secured a routine victory against Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening to move eight points clear at the summit of the Premier League table.

The Blues were in complete control throughout the majority of the contest with goals from Diego Costa and Gary Cahill ensuring that Antonio Conte’s side remain in the driving seat in the race for the title.

Costa marked his return to the starting line-up by breaking the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, with a neat finish from Victor Moses’ low cross, and the hosts never looked like throwing away their lead. Cahill then confirmed the victory with a powerful header from close-range in the closing stages of the second half.

Hull applied themselves well as they attempted to stifle Chelsea’s attacking threat and momentum but simply lacked the quality in the final third. However, their promising performance was overshadowed by a serious head injury to midfielder Ryan Mason. The former Tottenham academy graduate was carried off the pitch on a stretcher wearing an oxygen mask after a clash of heads and underwent emergency surgery late on Sunday evening on a fractured skull.

Costa returns with a bang

All eyes were focused on Diego Costa on Sunday afternoon after he returned to Chelsea’s starting line-up following two weeks of controversy.

The Spanish forward had missed The Blue’s victory at the King Power Stadium last weekend with a back issue amidst rumours of a training ground bust-up with a fitness coach and a possible big-money move to China. However, it was business as usual for the 28-year-old who scored his sixteenth goal of the campaign and set the home side on their way to a comfortable victory with the opening goal of the game deep into first-half stoppage time. He was cheered throughout the contest by Chelsea supporters and Antonio Conte will be desperate to keep hold of his leading goal scorer, at least until the summer, as he chases a title in his first season in English football.

The Italian manager was keen to play down speculation surrounding a possible transfer for Costa but it remains to be seen whether the star striker is willing to ignore the current riches being offered in China.