Chelsea Secures FA Cup Fifth Round Spot with Commanding 4-0 Victory Over Hull City
Chelsea F.C. has emphatically progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup following a comprehensive 4-0 triumph against Hull City A.F.C. at the MKM Stadium. The match was highlighted by a spectacular hat-trick from Pedro Neto and a goal from Estevao Willian, showcasing Chelsea's attacking prowess and tactical discipline.
Manager Liam Rosenior's Emotional Return to Hull City
This fixture marked a poignant return for Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior to Hull City, where he previously served as both a player and manager. Hull City dismissed Rosenior in 2024 after the team failed to qualify for the Championship play-offs, ending his tenure on a sour note. However, the 41-year-old manager expressed that returning to Humberside was "an amazing thing" and seized the opportunity to demonstrate to his former club what they had lost.
"This club means a lot not just to me but also my family for many reasons," Rosenior stated post-match. "I do hope they make the Premier League this year, but because of our attitude and application, that is what gave us the platform to win tonight."
Since joining Chelsea from Strasbourg in January to replace Enzo Maresca, Rosenior has overseen an impressive run, winning eight of his first 11 matches. For this FA Cup clash, he made seven changes to the lineup, omitting key players like Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Joao Pedro to rotate the squad effectively.
Pedro Neto Shines with Hat-Trick in Dominant Performance
Pedro Neto was the standout performer, earning high praise from Rosenior for his work ethic and quality. "Pedro Neto has been outstanding, he works so hard and has so much quality. I'm delighted to see him get the goals," the manager remarked. Rosenior also emphasized the team's mental strength, noting, "The most pleasing aspect was the mentality. It was a really strong performance in terms of the mental application you need to be successful. Everyone worked really hard for each other."
Chelsea controlled possession from the outset, with Neto opening the scoring in the 40th minute. Liam Delap provided the assist, setting up Neto for a strike from outside the box that found the back of the net. In the second half, Chelsea continued to press, with Andrey Santos having a header saved by Hull goalkeeper Dillon Phillips early on.
From the ensuing corner, Neto delivered a cross that was converted at the near post, doubling Chelsea's lead to 2-0 in the 51st minute. Estevao Willian then added a third goal in the 59th minute with a close-range finish, capitalizing on Chelsea's sustained pressure. Neto completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute, again assisted by Delap, sealing a 4-0 victory and highlighting Chelsea's offensive efficiency.
Chelsea's Resilience and Other FA Cup Results
This win demonstrated Chelsea's ability to maintain dominance, a contrast to their earlier match in the week where they drew 2-2 with Leeds United after leading by two goals. The team's improved focus and execution were evident throughout the match against Hull City.
In other FA Cup fourth-round action, Wrexham A.F.C. secured a 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town F.C., advancing to the last 16 for the first time since the 1996-97 season. This result adds to the excitement of the competition as teams vie for a spot in the later stages.
Chelsea's performance not only underscores their depth and tactical flexibility under Rosenior but also sets a positive tone for their FA Cup campaign. With key players rested and emerging talents like Neto stepping up, Chelsea appears well-positioned to challenge for silverware this season.
