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Three takeaways as Chelsea extend lead with win over Hull City

By Scott Brant

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Diego Costa (R) of Chelsea celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mates during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on January 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Diego Costa (R) of Chelsea celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mates during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on January 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Diego Costa sent a strong message with his goal and his celebrations in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Hull City. Chelsea are in strong position, and he is ready to go the distance.

chelsea, diego costa
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

Chelsea moved eight points clear of second-place Arsenal by defeating Hull City at home on Sunday. The Blues’ next match is the FA Cup against Brentford, but then back-to-back tilts against title challengers Arsenal and Liverpool.

Chelsea are in an enviable but still not comfortable position going into that crucial run of games. The fixture against Hull was dodgy at times but the squad are still primed to protect their place atop the Premier League. Here are what we learned from Sunday’s result.

Antonio Conte and Diego Costa are still BFF’s

With all the Diego Costa speculation and drama surrounding the relationship between player and skipper Antonio Conte starts the XI he trusts most. And his most trusted XI continued to reward his loyalty with another 3 points.

Four of the top five teams dropped points this weekend before Chelsea’s kickoff against Hull. The three points became vital to open the gap on the pack. Conte’s choice not to rotate against Hull City is a testament to the Blues’ light fixture list, and the importance of the win with Liverpool and Arsenal ahead.

Antonio Conte repeatedly stated if Diego was healthy, he would start the match this week. Not only did Diego start, but he silenced his critics with a Man of the Match performance and a goal celebration for the ages. He followed that up lovingly and passionately smacked the Chelsea badge located over his heart.

Antonio Conte knows he needs Costa’s production up top. Just like Costa knows he needs Conte in order to play. And Costa also knows he needs to play if he wants to leave in the summer. The relationship is crucial to the Blues fulfilling current expectations of title winners.

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