Match reports
The Guardian, Louise Taylor: "The established order was restored in East Yorkshire last night but only after Hull City had given their illustrious guests an exacting work-out that is well disguised by the scoreline. True, as the second half unfolded, it ultimately became easy for Chelsea to revive their title challenge by bringing Hull’s six-game undefeated streak – a run featuring five wins – to an end but Phil Brown’s team devoted the first half to demonstrating precisely why these sides started the night level on 20 points in the Champions League zone."
Daily Telegraph, Oliver Brown: "Chelsea had been right to cross the Humber with trepidation but they returned with a reminder of their dominance. Three goals, three points, and at a stroke the pain of ceding an advantage to Liverpool in the title race was erased."
The Times, Oliver Kay: "A first home league defeat in 4½ years, inflicted by Liverpool on Sunday, has left a dent in Chelsea’s armour and indeed their pride, but, away from the erstwhile fortress of Stamford Bridge, they are equally formidable. This was their fifth win in as many away matches in the Barclays Premier League under Scolari and, given that it came against a resilient Hull team whom they led only on goal difference at the start of play, it should not be underestimated."
The Independent, Jon Culley: "Goals by Frank Lampard, Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda gave Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side an emphatic victory but had the scoreline been double or more in Chelsea’s favour they would not have been flattered. Phil Brown’s team deserve all the respect they have gathered so far in winning six of their opening 10 matches – as many as Chelsea at the game’s start – but for all that Hull remain fifth in the table, the gulf between these sides last night was as wide as the Humber."
Official Chelsea FC Website: "The irresistible away form continues as the team clicked back into top gear again, goals from Frank Lampard, Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda taking the Blues clear of Hull."
The goals
3′ Lampard 0-1
50′ Anelka 0-2
75′ Malouda 0-3
The preamble
Hull, renowned for fishing, were filleted, tailed and de-scaled. Had Florent Malouda applied better finishing they would also have been gutted.
The highlights
We started with the team that lost to Liverpool aside from Joe Cole replacing Salomon Kalou. After only two minutes we took the lead. A good attack broke down but the ball found its way to Frank Lampard who, from just inside the box, sublimely chipped the Hull keeper. This takes Frank to 99 Premier League goals.
We played some nice football but we weren’t having it all our own way. Petr Cech looked a bit suspect from a corner and a subsequent cross.
Lampard tried a free kick from 35 yards and later Deiberson Geovanni tried to go one better with a 40 yard strike.
Twenty minutes in and Daniel Cousin, pronounced like poussin, hit the post with Cech playing statues as he did when Liverpool hit our woodwork.
Malouda had some good chances but his composure in front of goal is suspect. Just before half time a great move ended with a good strike from Nicolas Anelka which the keeper tipped over the bar.
Five minutes after half time it was 2-0. The ball drifted to the edge of the Hull penalty area and their keeper stood on the edge of the box expecting the ball to reach him. Anelka nipped in and kicked the ball away, as the keeper attempted to head it, and tapped home into an unguarded net. From this point onwards we played some brilliant football in patches, with passing and movement at its best.
Malouda missed some more chances until the 74th minute when for once he converted another exceptional move. 3-0.
The game ended on a low point when Ricardo Carvalho limped off holding his hamstring.
Player ratings
These are the Hnrey preview ratings updated:
- Cheque: He hardly had anything to do –
7/10. 6/10 because he flapped at some crosses. - Jose Bosingwa: Excellent going forward –
8/10. 7/10. - Ricardo Carvalho: Untroubled –
7.5/10. 7/10. - John Terry: 7.5/10. Agreed.
- Ashley Cole: 7.5/10. Can’t be bothered to disagree.
- John Obi Mikel: The fulcrum around which the style revolves – 8/10. My player of the season so far.
- Frank Lampard: Another great performance – 8.5/10. Outstanding and a great goal.
- Deco: Outstanding alongside Lampard in midfield –
8.5/10. 7/10. Sort of okay. -
Salomon Kalou: 8/10. Didn’t start. - Joe Cole: Okay till he got injured again – 7/10.
- Florent Malouda:
7.5/10. 6/10. Must learn how to finish. - Nicolas Anelka: Pretty good without being spectacular – 7.5/10. Accepted. He’s definitely trying harder which makes you assume Didier Drogba is nearing fitness.
Conclusion
Five straight away wins is impressive. Our home form is disappointing by comparison with two draws and one defeat. Maybe it’s the home crowd and we should all take our share of the blame?
Hull were put back in their box tonight and at times our football was brilliant. I’m not over egging it to compare us to Brazil from the 1970 World Cup with great inter-passing and overlapping which tore Hull to shreds. It could easily have been 6-0.
Currently we’re failing to beat the others in the top four but emphatically beating the rest. Liverpool on the other hand are beating others in the top four but are being unconvincing against the rest. I don’t know if Liverpool will keep scraping by for much longer.
