Hull vs Chelsea: The One Where 4 Became 3 (+ 2)

Diego Costa: Jazz Hands

Looking back on Chelsea’s win over Hull this weekend - does anyone remember the first half of the match? Anyone? While there’s every chance it took me those first 45 minutes to get to grips with Victor Moses being handed a start while Cesc Fàbregas rots away on the bench. And as my mind swirled in some sort of existential crisis for our little Spaniard - deja vu anyone? - I just lost track of anything that may have happened.

That being said, I’m fairly confident that I’m not the only one who lost 45 minutes of my life on Saturday that I’ll never get back. Thankfully, football entrenches itself in the clichéd life - game of two halves and that. But that did mean a little more Moses time. And before the fan club gets in touch - yes he’s busy. Yes, he seems keen. But to what end? He has gone on actual runs with the ball - and then just doesn’t have the ball anymore. And without an opposition player coming within 3 feet of him. Quick wits trump quick steps.

Saturday was really a day for the tactics obsessives. The ones who’d be pining for three at the back from the second Antonio Conte was handed the reigns. Of course, this brings Moses back into the fold, but the less said at this point, the better. Did Chelsea look more stable at the back? It was the first time starting in a new formation - this little trio made it’s debut late on at the Emirates in the game that shall not be named.

Chelsea managed to keep a clean sheet. Almost as rare a sighting as a yeti. Almost. BUT - was it really down to the new formation or Branislav Ivanovic taking a time out? Genuinely don’t think we can take much from this outside of a confidence boost. Hull attempted just 8 shots and managed just NINE touches in the box over the course of 90 minutes. It’d be fanciful and naive to assume that was down to the intimidating new look back line. After a bright start to the season, Hull have crawled right back into their shells in recent weeks and likely wanted damage limitation after letting Liverpool put 5 past them.

It’s a wait and see how this backline works out over the coming weeks and with John Terry eventually forcing his way back into the mix. At worst, Chelsea should always look like they have some sort of organisation back there. At best, dare I say it, another clean sheet?

I’ve said too much.

As much as people want to focus on what was happening at the back - the real show was up front in the form of a bearded scamp. Costa prowled around their box and wasn’t going to leave it without at least one goal to his name. He likes a bit of Hull - scoring against them each time he's faced them. Luckily Chelsea didn’t have to head to the ‘City of Culture’ last season with Diego’s obese stand-in to take a bite out of that record.

There's been a lot of 'back to his best' chat emerging from these games, but Costa has by and large been brilliant from the opening minute this season. Still annoying the bejesus out of people, but has appeared more interested in scoring than just winding people up. Whether it's Conte's influence or his way of flirting his way back into the welcoming bosom of Diego Simeone it doesn't matter. As long as he keeps scoring for Chelsea and keeps everyone else whinging about his antics.

Enjoy the international break you lot!

jb x