The headline of the dominating performance of Chelsea in the fourth round of the FA-cup against Hull City is Pedro Neto hat-trick as the Portuguese winger gave a statement performance playing in an unfamiliar but ultimately fruitful night of Liam Delap.
Friday night, Chelsea went out of home in a professional fashion and moved to the fifth round without problems. Under Liam Rosenior who played against his former club, Hull City, the team played in charge, at ease and composed, despite missing the initial chances. It was the first senior career hat-trick of Neto and Delap turned frustration into redemption by assisting three times.
The outcome makes Chelsea strong AFC challengers.
Pedro Neto Silences Critics Hat-Trick.
In the recent weeks, Pedro Neto has been scrutinized.
The winger had not scored since in the last round of the FA Cup against Charlton Athletic, the first game under Rosenior. Areas of fans were doubtful of his decision-making and final product.
He gave a definite answer against Hull City.
Working in a new central position, more of a No.10 than his traditional wide relationship, Neto dictated the play.
His three goals:
- First objective: A goal that was a formidable shot outside the box just prior to the half-time following several clear opportunities that had been missed by Chelsea.
- Second objective: A direct corner following the break, which was originally counted as a flicked header, but subsequently proved to come in off own goal.
- Third objective: A composed long distance low drive in the 71st minute to get his hat-trick.
It was his hat-trick in his senior career and an all-out performance.
Neto did not hesitate after previous failures of the team and instead took responsibility. His introduction relieved the tension in a bitterly cold night in which the snow fell in much of the first half.
Neto celebrated the mentality of the team after the match and made a jab towards a hat-trick party, which showed both relief and confidence.
Strategy: Liam Delap, Strange Night Ends in Redemption.
One of the more peculiar personal performances of the season was given to Liam Delap.
The striker had to contend with his old team, Hull City, in which he spent a frustrating half.
He lost an outstanding open goal opportunity and jumped too soon in the belief that the ball had passed the line. In retrospect, Delap wrote of his response as being stupid. Other early missed opportunities include those in which he played a role as Chelsea failed to turn his dominance to reach goals.
Nevertheless, he was excellent in his second-half reaction.
Delap scored a hat-trick of assists:
- Set up Neto’s opening goal
- Helped Estevao Willian in his purpose.
- Intelligent hold-up play created Neto third.
The break made his play as a link-up better. He demonstrated power in handling, intelligence in congested areas, and calmness in innovative situations.
Instead of letting a challenging first half characterize his work, Delap proved that he is mature and capable of sustaining. He then said that Neto was an unbelievable player, especially how he could succeed in a new position.
The net contribution made it a productive night out of what would have been an embarrassing one.
Chelsea Control Under Liam Rosenior.
There was also tactical clarity in the performance of Chelsea under Liam Rosenior.
The structure was also disciplined in spite of earlier profligacy. The team dictated the ball, restricted the threat of Hull and remained focused.
Tactical Observations
- Neto played centrally, which put the two defensive lines of Hull under pressure.
- Delap was a target striker but played deep successfully in the second half.
- Wide players expanded the pitch, allowing space to be created to the midfield runners.
- Clean sheet was provided through defensive organisation.
Chelsea’s patience was key. They did not have to impose rushed decisions following initial misses because they had confidence in their structure and imposed quality step-by-step.
The performance of young talent Estevao Willian who scored the third goal at Chelsea further encouraged the performance of the team, as the squad depth and balance were emphasized.
Game Statistics: Hull City 0-4 Chelsea.
| Category | Hull City | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 0 | 4 |
| Hat-tricks | – | Pedro Neto (1) |
| Assists | – | Liam Delap (3) |
| Clean Sheet | – | Yes |
The fact that Chelsea was able to maintain a clean sheet and score four goals away shows that the club was effective in its attacking skills and disciplined in its defense.
This Implication on the FA Cup Campaign at Chelsea.
The win takes Chelsea to the fifth round of FA Cup with momentum.
Key takeaways include:
- The lost confidence and the versatility of Pedro Neto were restored.
- Creative potential and finishing threat of Liam Delap.
- Good depth of the squad with youthful players.
- The mindset of professionals in a negative environment.
The performance supports the fact that Chelsea can be good FA Cup players. Complacency was nonexistent with opposition of lower league ranking, control was not lost following missed opportunities and defensive lapses were not present.
Rather it was a calm, well-organized, and grown-up performance.
To Rosenior, in going back to his old club was extra story to the game, but his club took the business with ease.
Chelsea supporter and Hull, where they are on a cold and snowy evening, gave the answer: when organisation, quality and mentality all come together, they are still a cup side to reckon with.
