Chelsea take big step to Premier League glory and are now eight points ahead of second-placed Arsenal

Chelsea took a huge step on their path to claiming the Premier League trophy with a 2-0 win over Hull City at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

There was movement below the table-toppers with Arsenal jumping to second spot with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to a Shkodran Mustafi goal and a late, late penalty from Alexis Sanchez.

But Arsene Wenger’s Gunners are eight points behind the Blues, with Tottenham — who drew 1-1 with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium —  sitting in third a point behind their north London rivals.

Liverpool dropped to fourth after a shock 3-2 reverse against lowly Swansea City at Anfield, with City fourth and Manchester United — who drew 1-1 at West Bromwich Albion — in sixth spot.

But the fact that there is no movement in terms of league position as far as Antonio Conte’s side is perhaps most significant. Goals from Diego Costa and Gary Cahill earned the Blues the win over the Tigers — a game in which Ryan Mason suffered a fractured skull in a collision with Cahill.

And Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas says Hull proved a tough nut to crack. He said:

“It was a very tough game, we knew it would be from the beginning. We prepared very well for it and it paid off.”

“In the Premier League there are no easy games but we must be pleased with the result because it was three points we really wanted. After this weekend, when there were some unexpected results, we knew it was a must-win to go into two difficult games with the advantage we wanted.”

With FA Cup fixtures dominating next weekend, the leading contenders for the Premier League have to wait until January 31 before they are in action once more.

Chelsea are at Anfield for a mouth-watering clash with Liverpool, Arsenal host Watford, and Tottenham are at Sunderland. A day later, Manchester City are at West Ham while Manchester United face Hull City at Old Trafford.