Hull City simply ran out of steam against a Chelsea side who did not stop attacking. For the majority of the game, the Tigers defended well until a six minute spell in which the Blues ended any chance of a surprise victory. Goals from Willian and Diego Costa breached the Hull backline and they never got going afterwards. Here are the player ratings from a defensive minded performance.
Goalkeeper and Defence
David Marshall: Wasn’t called into action in a very dull first half. In the second half he pulled of some good saves, but was helpless for two excellently placed efforts, which nestled in his top corner. (6 out of 10)
David Meyler: With Ahmed Elmohamady suspended, Meyler filled in well. He tried to have an impact going forward but had no where the influence Elmohamady does. He was caught in one on one situations with Marcos Alonso and didn’t offer Marshall much protection. (5)
Curtis Davies: Was fantastic yet again dealing with Chelsea’s aerial assaults. He wasn’t bullied by Costa and led his team through extended periods of Blue pressure well. Only recent results must be keeping him off the fringes of the England National Team. (6)
Jake Livermore: Yet again preferred at centre back, and dealt well with physicality of Costa as well. Short lapses in concentration allowed Chelsea to strike and both of the goals did come from his side of defence. Solid as always though. (5)
Andy Robertson: Consistent in the first half and dealt with the trickery of Willian and Eden Hazard. However, his second half display was very much unlike him. He didn’t really attack as much as he would have liked, although this was a theme that ran through the Tigers’ team. (5)
Midfield and Attack
Robert Snodgrass: In the first half, he was Hull’s main source of chances, with his free kicks and through balls. As with most of Hull’s team, spent the majority of the second period chasing and trying to restrict Chelsea’s constant possession. (6)
Sam Clucas: Overall, Clucas had a solid game. He was neat and tidy in the first half, sweeping passes to either side of the KCOM stadium. However, in the second half, he was pretty much ineffective and wasn’t allowed to play his way around the pitch. (5)
Markus Henriksen: Worked very hard and showed tremendous energy to try and stop the runners from Chelsea’s midfield. Blocked one of Costa’s headed attempts and was probably Hull’s best player on the day. (6)
Ryan Mason: Had a couple of efforts on Thibaut Courtois’ goal in the first half but, in the second half, allowed too many of Chelsea’s players to roam free into the final third. He let Nemanja Matic go through before the Blues’ second. (5)
Adama Diomande: Was pretty much non existent throughout the game as he didn’t really supply much going forward. Showed his defensive instincts when he tackled his own teammate which ended a promising attack. (4)
Diemurci Mbokani: His movement gave Chelsea’s back three something to think about in a game where not much tested these three. Unfortunately, his movement didn’t come to anything and he had no end product. (5)
Substitutes
Shaun Maloney: Didn’t provide anything off the bench, just a couple of clearances. (5)
Abel Hernandez: Was invisible in attack and provided nothing in Hull’s comeback attempt. (5)
Tom Huddlestone: Didn’t play long enough to get a rating but did test Courtois towards the end.