Hull City boss Steve Bruce is optimistic that his side will be able to avoid relegation from the Premier League despite their 3-2 defeat to Chelsea.

The Blues raced into a 2-0 lead at the KC Stadium but Bruce's men fought back to level the game with goals from Ahmed Elmohamady and Abel Hernandez.

However, Loic Remy scored in the 78th minute to secure the three points for Jose Mourinho's side and extend Hull's winless run in the top flight to four matches.

Bruce told Sky Sports News: "You've got to look at the performance first. I think going 2-0 down after nine minutes, you need a response and what a response.

"The players put in a hell of a shift and something like 19 shots on target against a really strong Chelsea team shows we're ready for the challenge ahead.

"I thought we really deserved something for it. For that, we're disappointed, but if we keep playing like that, we'll be fine."

Hull are three points clear of the relegation zone in 15th place with eight games to play this season.