Chelsea 2 Hull City 0: Diego Costa and Cahill strike sinks the Tigers

Chelsea welcomed Diego Costa back into the fold on Sunday and saw him make a telling contribution in a 2-0 victory over Hull City.

The Spain international missed last weekend’s win at Leicester City amid intense speculation surrounding his future – although a back complaint was offered as the reason for his absence.

Costa was, however, fully fit and focused at Stamford Bridge, with his 15th Premier League goal of the season helping to send the Blues eight points clear at the top of the table.

He turned home a drilled cross from Victor Moses deep into first-half stoppage-time, with a serious head injury suffered by Ryan Mason leading to nine extra minutes.

Gary Cahill doubled the Blues’ advantage nine minutes from the end when he glanced in a whipped free-kick from Cesc Fabregas.