ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Hull City 1 Chelsea 1ALL CHELSEA could take from this draw was a reminder that the return of the Premier League title will only be achieved with difficulty. Against opponents from the relegation zone, they needed a Didier Drogba equaliser merely to increase their lead over Manchester United to two points at the head of the table.
The match was discomfiting for Carlo Ancelotti to take off a muted Nicolas Anelka in the hope the inexperienced Daniel Sturridge might make a difference, and the latter did demand a good save in stoppage time.
This was Hull’s 11th game without a win in all competitions, but it felt more like a fresh start. Chelsea’s perspective was broad enough for Ashley Cole to be named merely as a substitute.
Given the lack of evidence that Hull are ready to unsettle sides such as Chelsea, there was no suggestion John Terry might lose his way in the flurry of headlines over his private life, even if the centre-back was booked at the start of the second half.
The home support had, naturally, remembered to boo each time he took possession, but with little hope of his confidence crumbling. Terry’s winner at Burnley had already shown he is not unsettled so easily.
It is conventional threats, such as the accuracy of a talented opponent, that cause dismay. In that regard, the home crowd would have been relieved no one had taken Stephen Hunt from them in the transfer window.
He was the main source of danger for Hull, with his confidence and accuracy on the left.
Chelsea’s omission of Ashley Cole seemed to show they had scant doubt about the outcome. There were signs that supported such faith and Michael Ballack carelessly headed a Branislav Ivanovic cross straight to the goalkeeper in the 25th minute.
Hull were much more ruthless in taking the lead five minutes later. Hunt’s corner from the right was headed in forcefully by Steven Mouyokolo who was helped by the lax marking of Ballack.
Chelsea were stirred into a vigour they had not shown until then, but their leveller came in odd circumstances.
They appealed for a penalty as Frank Lampard seemed to be brought down, but the referee had already blown for a foul on Anelka just outside the box. The issue became an irrelevance when Didier Drogba levelled by curling the free-kick round the wall and into the net three minutes before the interval.
Hull seemed to be galvanised by the occasion and Ancelotti’s side experienced enough consternation for Terry to be shown a yellow card for pulling Jozy Altidore.
But the visitors reacted to Hull’s willingness to attack. Goalkeeper Boaz Myhill saved a Florent Malouda drive and dealt well with a Drogba header from the ensuing corner. Chelsea must have believed their technical superiority was taking its toll. Phil Brown’s team, all the same, were not readily drained of spirit and came forward with conviction.
It was natural Brown should send on a fresh man in Amr Zaki. The Egyptian was taking over from another forward, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. Chelsea could not be passive and Ballack made way for Joe Cole. The conviction of Hull continued to be remarkable despite the inferiority recorded in league positions.
GuardianService
HULL: Myhill, McShane (Zayatte 90), Gardner, Mouyokolo, Dawson, Fagan, Boateng, Cairney, Hunt, Altidore (Kilbane 85), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Zaki 66). Subs not used: Duke, Barmby, Geovanni, Mendy. Booked: McShane.
CHELSEA: Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Zhirkov (Ashley Cole 81), Ballack (Joe Cole 71), Deco, Lampard, Anelka (Sturridge 81), Malouda, Drogba. Subs not used: Turnbull, Paulo Ferreira, Kalou, Alex. Booked: Ivanovic, Terry, Drogba.
Referee: M Clattenburg (Tyne Wear).
