Chelsea's Professional Display Secures FA Cup Progress
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior expressed immense pride in his team's application and professionalism following a comprehensive 4-0 victory over his former club Hull City in the FA Cup fourth round. The Premier League side delivered a commanding performance at the MKM Stadium, with winger Pedro Neto netting a hat-trick and Brazilian talent Estevao also finding the target.
Rosenior's Return and Tactical Praise
Making his first return to Hull since his tenure as both player and manager, Rosenior highlighted the collective effort as the standout feature of the match. "The overall positive thing was the application of the team," he stated. "Our pressing, our intensity, our work rate and Pedro exemplified that, to be honest. That's why he scores the goals that he does."
Rosenior emphasised that his squad's quality extends beyond mere talent, describing them as "outstanding professionals" who embodied the values he seeks as a coach. He acknowledged the challenge posed by a Hull side pushing for promotion from the Championship, noting that "this is not an easy game" but praised Chelsea's football and defensive solidity.
Match Highlights and Missed Opportunities
Despite the convincing scoreline, Chelsea spurned several first-half chances, with Rory Delap and Estevao particularly culpable. Hull, managed by Sergej Jakirovic, offered little threat throughout the contest, though Lewis Koumas struck the post late on for a potential consolation.
Neto's hat-trick included a remarkable second goal scored directly from a corner, showcasing his set-piece prowess. Estevao's contribution further underlined Chelsea's attacking depth, with Rosenior making seven changes to his lineup while Jakirovic made six, prioritising Hull's league campaign.
Post-Match Reactions and Promotion Hopes
Rosenior extended warm wishes to his former club, hoping they achieve Premier League promotion. "I really hope it happens. So I wish them all the best," he said, praising Hull's spirit and transition threat. Jakirovic, whose side sits fourth in the Championship, conceded Chelsea's superior quality, stating, "It's difficult, because we played against Chelsea. I think we gave everything today."
The Bosnian manager believed his team deserved a goal for their late efforts and urged them to replicate such passion in league fixtures. "Maybe if we play our next games like this, with this passion, energy, intensity, that we are complicated, that we are tactically good, that we can be much higher in the table," he reflected.
Condemnation of Discriminatory Chanting
Both managers united in condemning abusive chanting from a section of home fans during the tie. The stadium announcer issued warnings at half-time and in the 60th minute, confirming arrests had been made.
Rosenior asserted, "Without knowing what has happened, any discriminatory language in any form, about anything, is unacceptable so I hope it gets dealt with." Jakirovic echoed this sentiment, emphasising, "This is not a place for this, for sure, in the stadium and also in public as well. This is not good. The stadium is not a place for that and this is the reason why they have been arrested."
The incident marred an otherwise professional and spirited cup tie, with Chelsea advancing comfortably to the next round on the back of a disciplined and efficient performance.
