Team Focus: Hull Can Take the Most Heart from Promoted Sides' Performances

Three defeats, no goals and little more to cheer than the customary 'determined' performance from the three newly-promoted sides in the Premier League represented a somewhat predictable outcome this weekend.

The trio faced tough opening matches, with Hull offered the least favours by an away trip to Stamford Bridge overshadowed by an emotional return for the Special / Happy One. Ian Holloway's Palace battled through a home game with a Bale-less Spurs while Cardiff had a tricky trip to Upton Park.

While none of the sides were expected the win, their failings were identical as the newcomers all lacked the creativity in attack to break down three extremely capable Premier League defences. Though Cardiff's game in East London was perhaps the most even on the balance of things, with the Bluebirds in fact holding more possession than their hosts (56.4%) - not a particularly rare feat against a Sam Allardyce side - it was probably Hull who put in the most encouraging display after a frightening opening period from Chelsea.

While it's true that Mourinho 'managed' the game in the practical manner that he has become renowned for, conserving energy in the second half of the game with a busy schedule in mind, the Tigers certainly deserved credit for the way they reacted to the Blues' initial onslaught. Steve Bruce stated before the game that he had picked a team predominantly made up of players that had helped the club reach what was a shock promotion last season, despite handing debuts to four players from kick-off.

Although they had worked there way back into the game after 30 minutes, avoiding the dreaded opening day battering, it wasn't until the introduction of former Tottenham duo Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore that saw the side carry any sort of threat. The former in particular may well prove to be one of the signings of the summer relative to the quality that surrounds him and he is likely to be Hull's key player this season.

The 26-year old showed in just over half an hour of playing time what he is about, immediately attempting a long ball down the wing to open up an until then untested Chelsea back line. The burly middle man completed 88% of his 25 passes, which was a total more than half that of the two Hull midfielders that lasted the entire 90 minutes - Koren and Brady.

The latter's performance, particularly in what was a reasonably even second half, was also cause for encouragement as the former United youngster made his first Premier League start. The Irishman completed 5 dribbles - which was bettered by only two playerson the opening weekend - and was fouled 3 times, signifying the threat he carried moving out towards the left side.

By the end of the 90 minutes Hull had held 48.6% of the possession as Chelsea took their foot off the gas, and completed 83.5% of their passes - just 2% lower than their hosts. While it's fair to say they were afforded more time on the ball as the game grew on that is a luxury they should receive more often against sides of a lower calibre than Sunday's opponents. In turn the fans will have come away from West London feeling quietly confident despite notching just 2 efforts on target from 7 in total.

Cardiff had more efforts at goal overall at Upton Park (12) but tested Jussi Jaaskelainen just the once despite possessing more quality in the final third than their newly promoted counterparts. Malky McKay will no doubt be hoping that summer signing Andreas Cornelius can hit the ground running when fit to remedy that issue. While they proved that they can keep their share of possession in the top-flight not one of the 14 Cardiff players used picked up a WhoScored rating above a 7 - the only Premier League side without a player in that category.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will cling to the fact that they were still in the game against Tottenham on Sunday right until the final whistle. However, that was entirely down to some resolute defending, particularly in front of the back four from captain Mile Jedinak who made 4 tackles and 3 interceptions on the day. Holloway's side were unable to take any initiative, which despite playing against Spurs will be a worry in front of their home support. They had the joint fewest shots this weekend (5) with the lions share coming in the dying moments when Tottenham began to become a little nervy.

As it stands it certainly doesn't appear that the Londoners have the quality to survive, especially in the creative department, and with two weeks remaining in the window they will be desperate to strengthen. The fact that they were one of 6 sides that failed to create a clear cut scoring opportunity tells you as much.

While it's incredibly early days it is Hull, somewhat surprisingly, who can draw the most positives from their respective baptism of fire back in the Premier League.