'Core of Hull's promoted team vital for team spirit and togetherness'

[Getty Images] Regan Slater told me pre-match that togetherness and getting the basics right were the key factors to Hull City getting something out of a game against free-scoring Chelsea. The Tigers stalwart was spot on and, along with his team-mates, he certainly delivered. I'm sure I wasn't the only one in the press box thinking that after the Morgan Rogers's early goal, it would be a comfortable home win on Saturday. But, this Hull side under Sergei Jakirovic is made of stronger stuff. Yes defensive mistakes helped get them back into the game, but it was also their work-rate and confidence that put a vulnerable Chelsea back-line under pressure. Then, after Mohamed Belloumi's two goals, Hull City didn't sit back and constantly looked dangerous on the break, even after Joao Pedro's equaliser. Despite all the new signings, eight of the starting XI on Saturday were Hull players last season and that core of the promoted team seems vital when it comes to the amazing team spirit and togetherness. But the new players, many who came off the bench at Stamford Bridge, are adding a new dimension too. Slater called Jakirovic "class" after the game and the Hull City manager is certainly getting everything right at the moment, with this mix of new and longer serving players, when it comes to defying the Premier League odds.