Chelsea 2-2 Hull City

Chelsea were forced to settle for a Premier League point after Hull City turned a blistering first-half spell into a deserved 2-1 lead, before João Pedro’s 66th-minute goal rescued a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

The hosts made the ideal start when Morgan Rogers struck in the 7th minute, but Hull responded with impressive purpose and found their match-winner in Mohamed Belloumi — at least for much of the afternoon. The winger scored in the 28th and 34th minutes to swing the contest decisively in the visitors’ favour before the interval.

Belloumi’s double capped a sharp Hull response to Chelsea’s early breakthrough. Despite seeing far less of the ball, the visitors were direct, dangerous and more than willing to exploit the spaces available when Chelsea committed bodies forward. Hull had 13 shots to Chelsea’s 12 and created nine shot assists, underlining that their threat was not confined to the scoreboard.

Chelsea returned for the second half with greater urgency. The Blues controlled 67.7 per cent of possession, won 11 corners and put seven efforts on target across the match, eventually finding the equaliser through João Pedro in the 66th minute. His finish brought Stamford Bridge back to life and ensured the hosts avoided a damaging defeat.

Neither side could find a late winner in a tense closing stretch. Hull defended their point with determination, although the visitors collected five yellow cards, while Chelsea substitute Valentín Barco was booked in the 80th minute.

For Chelsea and manager Xabi Alonso, the comeback showed welcome resilience, but the first-half defensive vulnerability will remain a major concern after a fixture in which Hull repeatedly punished the hosts’ lack of control. Hull, meanwhile, leave London with a legitimate and richly earned draw after an ambitious attacking display.

Chelsea next face Brentford on Friday, September 18. Hull City travel to Newcastle United on Saturday, September 19.

Goals

  • 7′ — Morgan Rogers (Chelsea)
  • 28′ — Mohamed Belloumi (Hull City)
  • 34′ — Mohamed Belloumi (Hull City)
  • 66′ — João Pedro (Chelsea)