Pedro Neto delivered a masterclass performance as Chelsea cruised into the FA Cup fifth round with an emphatic victory over Championship side Hull City at a snow-covered MKM Stadium. The Portuguese winger’s first senior hat-trick ensured a comfortable progression for the Blues, who underlined their attacking depth and growing confidence in the competition.
For Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior, the evening carried personal significance. A former Hull player and manager, he returned to familiar surroundings determined to guide his side safely into the next round. Although his team dominated possession and territory from the outset, it took until the 40th minute for their superiority to translate into a goal.
The breakthrough was crafted through sharp, incisive passing around the edge of the penalty area. Neto, positioned just outside the box, received the ball and unleashed a precise left-footed strike that curled beautifully into the corner. It was a moment of technical brilliance that reflected Chelsea’s attacking intent and composure.
Early in the second half, Neto struck again—this time in unusual fashion. Delivering an inswinging corner, he generated such whip and movement that the ball evaded everyone in the crowded penalty area. It bounced awkwardly in front of Hull goalkeeper Dillon Phillips and slipped through his legs before crossing the line. The goal stunned the home crowd and doubled Chelsea’s advantage in a way few could have predicted.
Brazilian teenager Estevao, who had endured a frustrating first half, redeemed himself shortly before the hour mark. Earlier, he had squandered a golden opportunity after controlling a long pass, rounding the goalkeeper, and firing over an empty net. However, he showed composure in the 59th minute, finishing neatly after clever hold-up play from Liam Delap. The striker, who had previously spent a season on loan at Hull during Rosenior’s tenure, used his strength to create space and set up the youngster for a straightforward finish.
Neto completed his hat-trick with 19 minutes remaining. Delap once again played a pivotal role, embarking on a powerful run and delivering a perfectly weighted pass into Neto’s path. The winger calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sealing his first senior treble and putting the result beyond doubt.
Despite the convincing scoreline, Chelsea had been wasteful in the opening stages. Alejandro Garnacho was presented with an early chance after being picked out by a clever pass from Moises Caicedo, but Phillips produced a fine save to deny him. Neto attempted to capitalize on the rebound, only to see his effort blocked by defender John Egan.
Estevao’s earlier miss added to the sense that Chelsea should have been comfortably ahead well before halftime. The 18-year-old displayed impressive control to bring down a long ball from Mamadou Sarr, rounded Phillips with confidence, but inexplicably blazed his shot over the bar. Moments later, Phillips nearly turned from hero to villain when his attempted clearance struck Delap and looped onto the crossbar before bouncing on the line. Delap hesitated, believing the ball had crossed, and Phillips recovered swiftly to prevent further danger.
Amid the action, a stadium announcement addressed reports of discriminatory chanting, with a warning displayed on the big screen and reinforced via the tannoy system. The incident served as a reminder of the ongoing efforts within football to tackle unacceptable behavior.
Hull, currently fourth in the Championship and chasing promotion, struggled to impose themselves against their Premier League opponents. They managed little attacking threat throughout the contest, though Lewis Koumas came close late on when his effort struck the post. It was a rare moment of encouragement on an otherwise difficult night for the hosts.
Chelsea, eight-time FA Cup winners, now await the outcome of Monday’s tie between Macclesfield and Brentford to discover their next opponents. The competition represents a valuable opportunity for the Blues to claim domestic silverware for the first time since 2018.
Since lifting the FA Cup under Antonio Conte eight years ago, Chelsea’s trophy cabinet has expanded through European triumphs, including victories in all major continental competitions and the FIFA Club World Cup last summer. Yet domestic success has eluded them in recent seasons. With their Premier League title ambitions effectively out of reach and an exit from the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage against Arsenal, the FA Cup offers a realistic path to Wembley and potential glory.
Rosenior demonstrated the depth of his squad by making seven changes from the side that recently drew with Leeds in league action. Key figures such as Cole Palmer were rested, while Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro began on the bench. Even with rotation, Chelsea’s lineup possessed considerable quality, highlighting the strength available at the manager’s disposal.
The Blues’ attacking play in the first 20 minutes suggested they could have raced into a commanding lead. Caicedo and Estevao were particularly lively, orchestrating moves and stretching Hull’s defensive structure. Once Neto opened the scoring, the visitors maintained relentless pressure, exploiting gaps and dictating the tempo.
Delap’s performance stood out not only for his physical presence but also for his creative contribution. Having misjudged an earlier chance involving Phillips’ clearance, he responded positively by assisting two goals. His familiarity with Hull’s environment perhaps fueled his determination to influence proceedings.
For Chelsea supporters, the victory reinforced optimism that the FA Cup could mark the beginning of a renewed era of domestic success. With a talented squad and growing momentum, they will likely be considered among the favorites as the competition progresses.
Attention now shifts back to league commitments. Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday, 21 February, when they host 19th-placed Burnley at 15:00 GMT. Hull, meanwhile, continue their Championship campaign at home to Queens Park Rangers earlier that day. Both clubs will seek to channel lessons from this encounter into their respective promotion and consolidation ambitions.
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