Can Jose Mourinho Lead Chelsea to the Title?

On Sunday, time seemed to turn back at Stamford Bridge with a familiar face on the touchline managing the home team.

Indeed, that must have been the reason Roman Abramovich was keen to fix the rift between him and Jose Mourinho that saw them split in shock fashion in 2007 after a successful 3 seasons in charge of Chelsea. 7 different managers have failed to emulate the lustre and aura Mourinho brought to the Bridge even if most of them managed to win a trophy, including the one that Abramovich wanted the most - the Champions League trophy.

While you were away, Jose, this happened. 

I guess Mourinho's appointment might be the only thing that could satisfy fans after their man, Roberto di Matteo was sacked only months after bringing home that beloved European Cup from Munich.

Regardless, the Special One is back and back with a bit more grey hair and wisdom from his time with Internazionale and Real Madrid. He got to achieve what he wanted - managing and winning in Europe's traditional big 3 leagues.

The likes of Ricardo Carvalho, Didier Drogba, Claude Makelele, Michael Essien and Damien Duff who served Mourinho well might be gone but at Chelsea, there is a squad brimming with young and exciting talent.

Kevin de Bruyne running hard at Hull's defenders

Belgian Kevin de Bruyne finally made his bow in Chelsea blue after being loaned out to Werder Bremen last season, and he showed glimpses of why Chelsea decided to invest in him the season before.

De Bruyne and compatriot, Eden Hazard, and exciting Oscar caused Steve Bruce's Hull City plenty of problems and backed up by the etheral Frank Lampard and energetic Ramires, Chelsea were always on top.

With Juan Mata also available when Mourinho wants to play him, Chelsea suddenly have a squad worthy of being champions.

But we might have said the same last season too - only de Bruyne wasn't available then and Chelsea made the same good start to the season before their form tailed off - ultimately leading to di Matteo's untimely sacking.

Can Jose convince Roman to let Super Frankie finish his career at the Bridge?

Yet you feel that Mourinho might be the difference this time in strengthening Chelsea's psyche for the tough run-in and with question marks over the futures of Frank Lampard and John Terry even with their favourite boss back, this might very well be a season driven by emotion as well as a determination to make up for those lost 6 years without the Special One.

Alas, championship dreams are still a long, long way away but it has to be said that Chelsea might have put a strong case for making those dreams reality.

As for Hull City, this should be a tough battle to stay up but they seem to have some positives in their side, including goalkeeper, Allan McGregor, who kept the Tigers in the game. They do have a manager who has been there and done that, and visits to the big guns like these shouldn't really be any measure of what their season will yet entail. But they will need to make sure the long trip to the North East stays that if they are to ensure their return to the top flight is not just for a season only.