Pedro Neto delivered a spectacular hat-trick performance, propelling Chelsea to a commanding 4-0 victory over Hull City in the FA Cup fourth round. The match marked an emotional return for Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior to his former club, where he once served as both a player and manager, with the Londoners cruising into the last 16 of the competition.
Neto's Brilliance Seals Chelsea's Dominant Display
Portugal winger Pedro Neto opened the scoring with a superb 18-yard effort, giving Chelsea a 1-0 lead at halftime. He doubled the advantage early in the second half with a remarkable goal directly from a corner, showcasing his technical prowess. Brazil forward Estevao then put the tie beyond doubt just before the hour-mark, making it 3-0 and effectively ending Hull's hopes of a comeback.
Hat-Trick Completes Comprehensive Victory
Neto completed his hat-trick with 19 minutes remaining, capping off a flawless individual performance and sealing Chelsea's 4-0 triumph. Despite Hull City's status as Championship promotion-chasers, they never threatened to cause an upset, struggling to break down Chelsea's defence throughout the match.
Rosenior's Successful Start Continues
Liam Rosenior's reign as Chelsea manager began in January with an emphatic 5-1 win at Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round. His return to the MKM Stadium, where he has deep personal and professional connections, proved equally successful as Chelsea dominated from start to finish.
Aside from Chelsea's two defeats in the League Cup semi-final against Arsenal, Rosenior has now overseen an impressive run of form. In his nine other matches in charge across all competitions, Chelsea have secured eight victories and one draw, demonstrating a strong start to his tenure.
Emotional Return and Tactical Mastery
The match held significant emotional weight for Rosenior, who managed Hull City before taking the Chelsea job. His tactical setup allowed Chelsea to control possession and create numerous chances, with Neto's hat-trick highlighting the team's attacking fluidity. Hull, despite their promotion ambitions, were outclassed in every department, failing to register a meaningful threat on goal.
This victory reinforces Chelsea's status as serious contenders in the FA Cup, while Hull City will need to refocus on their Championship campaign. The performance also underscores Neto's growing influence at Chelsea, with his hat-trick serving as a statement of intent for the remainder of the season.
