Diego Costa back with a bang as Chelsea go eight clear after win over Hull

Diego Costa scored on his return to the Chelsea side, with Gary Cahill also on target against Hull as the Blues went eight points clear.

Hull will consider themselves unlucky after attacking with intent and creating plenty of chances, with centre-half Harry Maguire a notable threat throughout.

The Tigers also suffered an early injury, with Ryan Mason stretchered off after nine minutes of on-pitch treatment following a clash of heads with Cahill. He was taken to hospital for tests.

It was in the extensive first-half added time that Costa opened the scoring, turning in a cross from Victor Moses.

And Cahill doubled the lead late in the second half, unmarked at the far post and flicking home a ball from Cesc Fabregas.

Is the Diego Costa fracture healed? Is he planning to stay with Chelsea - or is he still planning to head to China? The gossip before the match had an undercurrent of disgruntlement, wondering whether Costa was truly committed to his current job. Today's match was pretty good evidence that he is. And if he scores goals, Chelsea fans will probably let him off a quick glance for alternative opportunities.

Diego Costa (Chelsea): After some days of unrest, he played with fire and dedication, and scored the opener. What more do you want from your striker?

Chelsea: Courtois 7, Azpilicueta 7, David Luiz 7, Cahill 7, Moses 7, Kante 7, Matic 7, Alonso 8, Pedro 7, Diego Costa 8, Hazard 7. Subs: Fabregas 7, Willian 7, Batshuayi 7.

Hull City: Jakupovic 8, Maguire 8, Davies 6, Dawson 7, Elabdellaoui 7, Mason 6, Huddlestone 6, Clucas 7, Robertson 6, Evandro 7, Hernandez 7. Subs: Meyler 7, Diomande 7, Niassi 7.

12' - INJURY! Mason and Cahill clash heads. There's a nine-minute delay

41' - OFFSIDE! Costa has the ball in the back of the net, but he's about three miles offside and heard the whistle, so he's lucky not to have been booked.

45'+7 - GOAL! And there's the breakthrough. Victor Moses finds Diego Costa in the centre of the box, and fizzes that into the back of the net.

80' - GOAL! Cahill doubles the advantage, flcking in a Fabregas free kick from the left, entirely unmarked, and Hull are really unlucky to be two down.

Diego Costa's first-half goal was timed at 51 minutes and 35 seconds.