All 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.
Hull acted throughout as if they had notions of sneaking a victory. The match was discomfiting enough for Carlo Ancelotti to take off a muted Nicolas Anelka in the hope that 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.
In games of this sort the contrast in attitude is as great as that in the fame or affluence of the respective sets of players. For Hull, this sort of night is a major part of the prize for achieving promotion. For the visitors, it is another task to be completed on a long ambitious programme. Chelsea’s perspective was broad enough for Ashley Cole to be named merely among the substitutes.
Hull had not won any of their previous 10 matches in all competitions. Given the lack of evidence that they are ready to unsettle sides such as Chelsea, there was no suggestion that 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 that 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 that 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 have 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 in scoring his first goal for the club 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.
Chelsea were scarcely in disarray when Drogba was at the African Cup of Nations, but the range of his gifts is great and it mattered here when his team had begun to look a little predictable. The Ivorian had last appeared for the club on December 28. Anelka had carried the striking responsibilities with ease, and the means at Ancelotti’s disposal must be disheartening to opponents.
Hull are not readily deterred. The risk of falling back into the Championship is apparent, but they seemed simply to be galvanised by this occasion. Ancelotti’s side experienced enough consternation for Terry to be shown a yellow card pulling back the forward Jozy Altidore. However, the visitors reacted to Hull’s willingness to attack.
The Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill saved a Florent Malouda drive and dealt well with a Drogba header from the ensuing corner. The match had reached a stage when Chelsea must have believed that their technical superiority was taking its toll. Phil Brown’s team, all the same, were not readily drained of spirit and, when circumstances allowed, came forward with conviction.
Hull kept the tempo high and Chelsea were not able to dictate terms from midfield for a while. An hour had passed before they achieved the measured style that must have looked ominous to their opponents. It was natural that Brown should send on a fresh man in Amr Zaki. The Egyptian was taking over from another forward, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. Hull still intended to attack when opportunity permitted.
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. No matter how poor their form has been, Hull have all the morale essential for the battle against relegation.
Premier LeagueHull CityChelseaKevin McCarraguardian.co.uk