We let the lead go but we played fantastic football since the first minute
Jose Mourinho
It is celebratory champagne that Chelsea can almost taste as they took another step closer to their first Premier League title in five years, though this was hardly a vintage performance.
The Blues took their chance to move six points clear of Manchester City with a game in hand – but only just.
Loic Remy’s goal 13 minutes from time ensured the victory went to the away team but they were made to sweat because of a sparkling display from their lowly hosts.
Mourinho said his side deserved the victory – despite allowing Hull back into the game.
“We let the lead go but we played fantastic football since the first minute,” he said.
“When you are 2-2 and you want to win the game the most important thing is to play the football we played in the beginning of the game.”
Eden Hazard’s drive from 20 yards after 78 seconds was followed by Diego Costa’s curling effort – his 19th goal of the season - to put Chelsea 2-0 up after nine minutes.
After dropping points in two of their previous three league matches, Mourinho had warned his side against complacency but the warning had clearly fallen on deaf ears as the Tigers roared back with two goals in 74 seconds before half-time.
A switch from 3-5-2 to 4-3-2-1 helped Hull get forward and left-back Andy Robertson crossed for Ahmed Elmohamady to slide in at the back post to pull a goal back.
Hull’s second came when Gaston Ramirez closed down Thibaut Courtois after Branislav Ivanovic’s backpass and the Belgian keeper’s poor touch allowed Abel Hernandez to slide in and force the ball into the unguarded net.
Chelsea were rattled and Hull were buoyant. Courtois was called on to atone for his mistake with three fine saves in quick succession to deny Elmohamady, Jake Livermore and Ramirez.
Few Costa outings end without a moment of controversy and the Spain striker appeared to elbow Livermore as Hull defended a corner. It was his last meaningful contribution before limping off with a recurrence of the hamstring injury that continues to trouble him.
Mourinho hopes the 15-day international break will give Costa time to recover for the run-in.
The striker was replaced by Remy and, 92 second later, Chelsea were ahead.
PA
Jose Mourinho and Steve Bruce share a joke pre-match
Cesc Fabregas’s pass sent Willian away down the right and he crossed low to find Remy. The Frenchman’s shot was unconvincing but it was firm enough to squirm through the legs of Allan McGregor and over the line.
It was his sixth goal of the season and Mourinho praised Remy for his attitude as 12 of his 15 league appearances have come as a substitute.
“Probably he deserves more that what I give him,” said Mourinho.
“I owe him something, every time he plays he gives us a lot and I’m so happy for him because he deserves it.”
Defeat was cruel on Hull. The Tigers still have plenty of work to do in their survival bid but if they play like this, they stand a great chance of staying up.
Manager Steve Bruce certainly believes they can do it.
“I’m sure we’ve got enough and I’m convinced if we play like that, we’re good enough to stay in this division,” he Bruce.
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