Hull City 0 - 3 Chelsea

October 30, 2008

The Tigers was brought down to earth with an almighty big bump, as Phil Scolari’s Chelsea ran out 3-0 winners in front on a full house at the KC Stadium last night. A stunning lob from Frank Lampard, and other goals from Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda, gave the Blues the perfect response to their weekend defeat at home to Liverpool. Andy Dawson recovered from a knock received at the weekend to start at full-back, and Dean Windass made the bench, as speculation grows about a possible move to Leeds United due to his lack of first team opportunities with City. Chelsea had the lead within three minutes.

Paul McShane’s cleareance could only find Lampard, who sublimely with his weaker foot, chipped the ball over Boaz Myhill in the Hull goal, who could only spectate as the ball rippled into the top corner of the net. Citys first chance came on eight minutes. An Andy Dawson corner found Michael Turner, but his header dropped onto the roof of the net. This was followed by a good spell of possesion for The Tigers.

Myhill was forced into a save from Cole and Lampard also made it two, but his free-kick just went wide of the post. Malouda then had an opportunity to make it two, but the Frenchmans header was poor and he could only head behind for a goal kick. Cousin almost made Chelsea pay for missed chances, but his shot rebouned of the post and away for a goal kick. Geovanni almost then added to wonderful goals this season with a 35-yard free kick, but Petr Cech was on hand to palm the ball away.

Kamil Zayatte, whos goal had set City on the way to all three points at the weekend, almost gifted Chelsea a goal. His poor header created on opening for Malouda, but he fired harmlessly over the Tigers goal. Before the end of the half, both keepers played vital roles in stopping their opponents scoring. Firstly, Myhill had to produce a wonderful save to tip over Anelka’s shot, and then Cech had to palm away another Geovanni free-kick, before having to be at his best again to stop Marlon Kings Header. Five minutes after the break Chelsea had doubled their advantage. A breakdown in communication left the Tigers defence wide open, and Nicolas Anelka nicked in to double Chelseas lead and make Hull pay dearly for the hesisation in defence.

Malouda once again had a great opportunity to get a goal, but this time on the turn fired over from eight yards out. Anelka should of probably got his second and Chelsea’s third, but his shot was weak and easily gathered by Myhill. Malouda finally scored with 15 minutes left, Lampards cross found him, and he was left with the simple task of strolling the ball into the net to make sure the points were going back to the capital. Garcias cross found Cousin, but he didn’t connect correctly with the header.

City made a change with six minutes to go, much to the delight of the home crowd. Local hero Dean Windass replaced King to make only his second appearance of the season, and also could be his last as some sources believe he is due to sign for Leeds in the coming days. City almost grabbed a consolation, but Garcias header went wide from Dawsons cross. The final whistle signalled City dropped two places in to fifth, but still joint third. As for Chelsea, they remain second, but still three points behind leaders Liverpool. It dosen’t get much easier for the Tigers, as on Saturday they travel away to face European Champions Manchester United, without suspended captain Ian Ashbee.

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