Hull 0-3 Chelsea

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Hull City 0 - 3 Chelsea F.C.

October 29 2008, Premier League, KC Stadium, Hull



Frank Lampard, Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda scored as Chelsea put Hull to the sword at the KC Stadium.

The Blues were looking for the perfect response to the 1-0 reverse they had suffered at the hands of Liverpool, and delivered emphatically from Luiz Felipe Scolari. Frank Lampard's marvellous chip put the visitors 1-0 up inside three minutes before second-half strikes from Anelka and then Malouda from Carvalho's cross gave Chelsea three well-earned points that capped off a fine display.

Joe Cole returned from injury and replaced Salomon Kalou on the wing, whilst Deco, Mikel and Frank Lampard featured at the heart of the Chelsea team. Nicolas Anelka began up front with Didier Drogba still missing, whilst Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic was handed a late appearance, coming on as a substitute. Hull's side included star player Geovanni, whose stunning goal at the Emirates saw the Tigers go on to claim a terrific 2-1 away win against Arsenal.

Hull were arguably the form team in the Premier League, coming into the encounter on the back of four straight wins, but were facing a Chelsea side that had a 100% away record in the league and had conceded only four goals all term, and the opening exchanges went the way of the title-chasers, who went ahead early on.

Lampard and Malouda combined on the edge of the box after crisp passing from Deco had crafted an opportunity. Lampard looked to return the ball to the Frenchman, who had made a darting run behind Paul McShane, but instead found himself delicately lobbing Boaz Myhill from 20 yards with a sumptuous left-footed lob that left the Welsh international rooted to the spot in admiration of the Chelsea star's brilliance. It was a goal that underlined Lampard's confidence, and his sixth strike of the term gave Chelsea a confidence-boost they so desperately craved.

Joe Cole reintroduced himself to Premier League action by obtaining a yellow card after a cynical challenge, but almost immediately made amends, but his half-volley from the edge of the area was gathered by Myhill, who was well positioned to snuff out the threat. Chelsea were becoming more confident on the ball but Hull were putting the Blues under extreme pressure and hitting them on the break, and but for Petr Cech's left-hand upright, they would have been level.

Daniel Cousin, the former Rangers striker, delightfully ran through the heart of the Chelsea defence before unleashing a low drive that rebounded off the post before Ashley Cole cleared. The Czech goalkeeper was beaten, but the Blues stood firm, as Cech saved from King. Lampard had earlier gone close with a free kick from all of 35 yards, and it was at a similar position at the other end that in-form midfielder Geovanni troubled the Chelsea custodian.

Diving low to his left, Cech managed to push the ball away before the resulting corner was clear. The whistle was sounded for half-time, and Chelsea's rearguard action since taking the lead had frustrated the hosts, but a 1-0 lead left a lot to be desired.

Chelsea started the second half like a house on fire and their excellent play in the opening exchanges warranted the goal scored by Nicolas Anelka. Myhill and his defenders failed to communicate sufficiently, and the Frenchman stole in to poke the ball from Myhill's grasp before confidently slotting him with his left foot. It was a goal that put Chelsea in the driving seat and underlined Anelka's ever-increasing contribution to the team.

It had previously been a disappointing night from Anelka, as his presence up front had caused little trouble for the Hull defenders. On the few chances he broke free of his markers, he had found Boaz Myhill a tough object to beat, as the Welshman tipped over a powerful drive and also denied the Frenchman aerially on several occasions.

Belletti came on shortly afterwards and Chelsea began to play in their trademark style, leaving Hull chasing shadows. Malouda had two good chances to score; the first a half-volley from the edge of the area whilst in space which he miss-hit, before later turning his marker excellently before blazing over from eight yards. The French winger had also missed several good chances in the first half, but Ricardo Carvalho's cross found him three yards out with the goal gaping on 76 minutes.

Carvalho and Lampard exchanged passes before the Portuguese found himself playing as a makeshift winger - before effortlessly crossing with the outside of his boot to Malouda who finished clinically. It was the icing on the cake to an excellent second half performance from the Blues, and is a perfect reaction to the setback suffered at the weekend. The only negative point was the hamstring injury picked up by Carvalho which will rule him out of action for up to two weeks.

With Sunderland the next to face the wrath of Scolari's side's attacking brilliance, Chelsea will hope to continue the fine form that has seen them win seven of their opening ten league fixtures of the season.
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Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Terry, A.Cole , Mikel, J.Cole, Deco, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka
Subs: Belletti, Kalou, Ivanovic.

Hull: Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney, Ashbee, Boateng, Geovanni, King, Cousin.
Subs: Windass, Halmosi, Garcia

Attendance: 24,400

Star Man : Frank Lampard

[Zohaib 0]

That was quick

Well written.

[Steve 10,227]

good stuff

[BlueLion. 21,491]

That was quick

Well written.

Thanks, I do try and do them as soon as possible, but it all depends on time.

[Elliott 7]

I notice the lack of a Liverpool report, not going to do one?

[BlueLion. 21,491]

As it happens, no. Didn't have the time to do so, I'm afraid.

[True_Blue 469]

As it happens, no. Didn't have the time to do so, I'm afraid.

And that is little kids what we call a lazy Mod

[BlueLion. 21,491]

You sit there and write a report for each match then

[True_Blue 469]

You sit there and write a report for each match then

Touchy touchy

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Shut it