Kalou brace helps Chelsea past Hull
Scott Sinclair scored Chelsea's first goal
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Wednesday, 26, Sep 2007 10:01
Two goals from Salomon Kalou helped Chelsea ease into the fourth round of the Carling Cup with a 4-0 win over Hull City.
Avram Grant selected a competitive team that included captain John Terry and midfield enforcer Michael Essien.
The Blues began strongly and forced a series of corners but Hull managed to keep them at bay without creating any meaningful attacks themselves.
Scott Sinclair broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. He met Shaun Wright-Phillips' cross from the right and calmly side-footed home.
Kalou doubled their lead after just three minutes of the second period. Claudio Pizarro drove into the Hull penalty area and flicked the ball to Kalou at the far post who completed the move with the easiest of finishes.
Wright-Phillips was then replaced by Joe Cole after injuring himself in the build-up to the second goal.
Five minutes later Steve Sidwell put the tie beyond doubt with Chelsea's third goal. Pizarro was again the provider, the Peruvian's pass found Sidwell in space and he smashed home from 25 yards out.
The Blues then calmed the tempo of the match having gained a comprehensive lead. Hull created some half-chances but failed to convert as the Blues defence recovered quickly.
In the 67th minute Jay-Jay Okocha created the Tigers' best chance from a free-kick which nearly beat Carlo Cudicini but the goalkeeper was able to cling on to the Nigerian's shot.
With ten minutes remaining Kalou got his second of the game following an assist by Joe Cole. The midfielder sliced into the area and Kalou had another simple finish as Grant gained the first win of his managerial reign at Stamford Bridge.