EPL 2016/17: Hull City 0-2 Chelsea - Player Ratings
Chelsea ended a disappointing run of three Premier League games without a win with a convincing 2-1 win over Hull City. Antonio Conte switched to his preferred 3-5-2 formation for the trip to Hull, although a drab first half from The Blues showed signs of worry for the Italian.
But Chelsea began the second half in much better fashion and broke the deadlock through Willian’s sublime effort. They doubled their lead only a few minutes later when Diego Costa finished in similar fashion to the first goal, to put his team 2-0 up.
The Tigers have endured a difficult start to the campaign in terms of fixtures after already facing Leicester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in their opening seven games, although, Mike Phelan’s side will enjoy a slightly easier run in the coming weeks.
Hull City
David Marshall: 5/10
Didn’t have a single save to make in the first half but was kept on his toes in the second as Chelsea moved forward with intent. Was helpless to prevent both goals.
David Meyler: 4/10
Played out of position to cover for the injured Ahmed Elmohamady, Meyler struggled at right-back. Was offered little help by Snodgrass as Marcos Alonso and Eden Hazard caused problems down the left flank.
Curtis Davies: 6/10
Made a few outstanding tackles to deny Chelsea but was let down by his teammates poor defending. Martialled Costa fairly well throughout the game.
Jake Livermore: 4/10
Another player played out of position, Livermore was given a tough time by the Chelsea attackers. The former Tottenham man will be itching to play in his preferred midfield position.
Andrew Robertson: 4/10
Struggled throughout the game, initially against Victor Moses and then Pedro. The Scottish international has surely enjoyed better games at left-back.
Sam Clucas: 7/10
Was exceptional in the first half, sitting deep in the Hull midfield. Passed the ball with precision while also keeping Hazard and Costa at bay. Replaced towards the end by Huddlestone.
Ryan Mason: 6/10
Like most of Hull’s players, Mason enjoyed a much better opening half but barely had a touch of the ball in the second, as the visitors dominated possession. Tested Courtois with a decent long range effort.
Markus Henriksen: 5/10
Had to work hard to help out his defence, spent more time chasing the ball around and was unable to provide anything in attack.
Robert Snodgrass: 6/10
The Scotsman has been in fine form this season but was offered little to work with against an improved Chelsea defence. Provided a few good deliveries from set-pieces but to no avail.
Adama Diomande: 4/10
Often left Robertson isolated on the left-hand side after failing to track back. Barring a few early runs, provided no threat to the Chelsea defenders.
Dieumerci Mbokani: 6/10
Despite being left completely isolated up top, Mbokani did extremely well whenever he had a chance to hold up possession but with his team sitting so deep, the striker had little assistance.
Substitutes
Shaun Maloney: 4/10
He had a limited impact on the game after coming on for Diomande after the hour mark.
Abel Hernandez: 3/10
The Uruguayan came on in the 72nd minute for Henriksen but barely saw any of the ball, and offered little in the attacking department.
Tom Huddlestone: N/A
The Englishman replaced Clucas with less than 10 minutes left in the game, and had almost no impact on the game.