Costa helps Chelsea sink Hull

Chelsea have moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table after they battled to a 2-0 win over a stubborn Hull City at Stamford Bridge.

Diego Costa will again feature in many of the headlines after the Spain international returned to the starting line-up after missing the routine victory at Leicester City with either a back strain or having been dropped after becoming unsettled courtesy of big money offers from China.

It was the division's top scorer who added to his tally when he made the vital breakthrough in the 45th minute against a well-organised visiting side, firing Victor Moses' cross home from eight yards out.

The 28-year-old - who was cheered by the home fans throughout - looked determined to make a big impact on his return and he blazed a 20-yard effort just wide after only 10 seconds.

Costa's goal actually came in the seventh minute of nine added on at the end of the first period after a huge delay caused by a clash of heads between Ryan Mason and Gary Cahill, with the Hull midfielder stretchered off wearing an oxygen mask.

Cahill remained on the pitch and it was the England defender who sealed the three points, making the most of slack marking from the visitors to head home a Cesc Fabregas set-piece from close range with 10 minutes remaining.

The stamp new boss Marco Silva has already been able to imprint on his new side was evident in the game, the Tigers impressing in their use of the ball, defensive organisation and attacking movement.

However, without a cutting edge up front Hull struggled to carve out clearcut opportunities; at 1-0 however, Hull were denied what was a certain penalty but referee Neil Swarbrick decided to take no action.

Antonio Conte's side made the most of their good fortune though to churn out another win and they sit eight clear of second-placed Arsenal and 12 ahead of fifth-placed Manchester City.

With Costa in such clinical form, they will be hard to stop.

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