Didier Drogba scored twice, including a stoppage-time winner, as Chelsea marked Carlo Ancelotti’s first match in the Premier League with a 2-1 opening day win over Hull in London on Saturday.
Drogba, who should have scored in the second minute, sealed all three points for the English title contenders when, in the second minute of added-on time, his cross-shot floated over Hull keeper Boaz Myhill to the delight of home fans at Stamford Bridge.
It had seemed that Hull were destined to frustrate Chelsea after new signing Stephen Hunt gave the Tigers a shock lead before Drogba equalised.
Chelsea, who finished third last season, then squandered numerous second-half chances, much to the frustration of their Italian boss, before finally taking all three points.
Chelsea should have gone ahead in the second minute when Drogba shot wide from just six yards out after a fine cross from Michael Essien.
And the Blues were made to pay for that miss when Hunt, on his Hull debut, gave the visitors a 28th-minute lead when the ball broke in the box to the Republic of Ireland midfielder, who finished precisely.
It was a goal to enrage Chelsea fans who have never forgiven Hunt for his role, when at Reading, in the challenge that led to Blues goalkeeper Petr Cech suffering a fractured skull.
Hull’s lead did not last long, though.
Less than ten minutes later Drogba equalised with a curling free-kick from 28 yards after John-Obi Mikel had been fouled.
Chelsea should have made it 2-1 in the first minute of the second-half when Nicolas Anelka shot straight at Hull keeper Boaz Myhill from close range.
Myhill then kept Hull in the game when he blocked at the feet of both Anelka and Drogba in quick succession in the 57th minute.
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