Match Progress and Substitutions
78 min: A precise pass from young Jesse Derry sends Josh Acheampong into space, but the ball into the centre fails to reach Liam Delap, missing an opportunity for redemption.
77 min: Kyle Joseph and Cody Drameh enter the match for Hull City, replacing Coyle and Hirakawa.
76 min: Alejandro Garnacho displays wastefulness again, his passing limiting Estevao's involvement in his final action of the game. Jesse Derry makes his debut as Wes Fofana is substituted off, with Tosin coming on.
Debut and Connections
73 min: Two young players come on, with Jesse Derry making his debut. He is the son of Shaun Derry, a QPR legend who was last seen as Wolves’ set-piece coach assisting Gary O’Neil, now at Strasbourg. The connections within football continue.
Goal! Hull 0-4 Chelsea (Neto, 71, hat-trick)
Liam Delap’s hold-up play is excellent, setting up Pedro Neto whose finish is low and venomous, completing his hat-trick.
70 min: Chelsea appear very comfortable. Players like Delap and Garnacho may be eager to score to respond to critics.
Paul Heaton Reference and Game Atmosphere
68 min: Peter Oh references Paul Heaton, stating:
“The current score of Hull 0 London club 3 flies in the face of the Housemartins’ debut album from way back in 1986. Given all of the insanity in modern football and the wider world, it’s a timely reminder for everyone to Think for a Minute.”
It has been a positive hour for Chelsea, indeed.
Defensive Actions and Bookings
66 min: Phillips nearly repeats a previous error during Neto’s corner, saving the ball with his knees. Sarr, an African champion, prevents the ball from being released and receives a booking.
66 min: Delap makes another run down the right-hand channel; Rosenior appears to favour him in the inside-right role, forcing a corner.
Substitutions and Tactical Changes
64 min: Hadziahmetovic is substituted for John Lundstram. Joe Geldhart, formerly of Leeds, replaces Canada’s Liam Miller.
62 min: The match is becoming an enjoyable experience for the visiting team. Perhaps fish and chips later? The quality of Hull is notable.
Goal! Hull 0-3 Chelsea (Estevao, 59)
Delap makes a surging run down the channels, cuts inside, and holds his nerve to set up Estevao, who crashes the ball home.
58 min: Estevao clears the second ball from a wasted Hull corner. Chelsea maintains full control at this point.
57 min: Hull City may find it difficult not to focus on their upcoming home game against QPR next Saturday, a significant fixture.
56 min: Garnacho attempts to rectify a previous mistake with a shot, but it is saved by Phillips. His enigmatic nature remains.
54 min: Garnacho makes a long run into Hull territory with ample space but passes directly to a Hull player.
53 min: Chelsea were two goals ahead on Tuesday. It required Caicedo’s awareness to intercept a pass intended for Koumas, as others were inattentive.
Goal! Hull 0-2 Chelsea (Neto, 51)
Phillips mishandles the situation. Neto scores an olimpico goal, curling the ball directly from a corner beyond all players and through the Hull goalkeeper’s legs.
50 min: Neto advances to the byline, Andrey Santos climbs highest, and Dylan Phillips makes a fine save, resulting in a corner.
49 min: Delap drops back to win the ball in midfield; Reece James distributes to Estevao, who had an indifferent first half. James has been positioned inside, demonstrating his versatility. The snowfall has lessened for now.
47 min: Chelsea look to build on their advantage. Liam Delap makes a good run to receive and distribute the ball. These minutes may prove vital for him.
Second Half Begins
46 min: The second half commences. Guy Mowbray references Boothferry Park and Keith Edwards during BBC commentary, recalling the old Hull ground as a relic of a golden era.
Stephen McCrossan comments:
“Disinterested (and fairly bored) Celtic fan here - Garnacho really is the epitome of the kind of player who, if he played for your team, would drive you round the twist isn’t he? Clearly got talent but either thinks he’s better than he is or has just been lucky to play with two big clubs. Or maybe just duff?”
In 2023, Garnacho was considered a top talent; current opinions are less certain.
It is noted that Wrexham leads Ipswich 1-0 in Friday’s other game, with the goal scored by Josh Windass, a member of Hull football royalty.
Martyn Lunn adds:
“Pearling pas: knitting the play together? Then I came across ‘genital pearling’ - not for me clive. Have a good one.”
Half-time: Hull 0-1 Chelsea
Hull City ends the half in possession, a rarity as Chelsea has dominated possession and chance creation. Pedro Neto’s goal separates the teams, though the scoreline could have been more decisive. Liam Delap may wish to forget his first-half performance.
45 min: Reece James takes a corner, which Phillips handles well. Neto receives a booking for a tactical foul on Hirakawa’s escape. One minute of added time is indicated.
44 min: Hull may be content to maintain this scoreline until half-time. Chelsea wins a corner.
43 min: Hull remains committed but eventually succumbs to conceding multiple chances to Chelsea. While Delap and Garnacho appear hesitant, Neto stands out, compensating for an earlier miss.
Goal! Hull 0-1 Chelsea (Neto, 40)
Neto delivers a cross with his outstep. Garnacho appears more focused on simulation. The ball returns, and Delap lays it up for Neto to take a step and shoot, scoring.
39 min: Hadziahmetovic effectively clears Millar’s attempt, but James remains physically imposing and difficult to beat.
38 min: Hull counters with Hirakawa attacking swiftly, but Hato intercepts. Caicedo misreads a pass intended for James; Chelsea’s performance dips.
36 min: Garnacho attempts a shot, which is blocked. Hull’s defensive organization is strong, described as "Tigerish."
34 min: Andrey Santos attempts a forward pass, but Hull’s defenders are effectively reading Chelsea’s forwards’ movements.
32 min: Simon Lane comments:
“Chelsea fan here, the way things are going I’m praying for more snow so the game gets called off. There’s no way we can defend this badly and miss chances like that without living to regret it.”
Hull has maintained discipline. Chelsea’s current form is highlighted by Liam Delap mishitting a clearance into the Hull skyline, raising questions about his footwear choice.
30 min: Alan Shearer, on BBC commentary, expresses frustration at Delap’s failure to follow up on a ball after Phillips’ mistake.
Additional Match Details
Throughout the match, Chelsea demonstrated control and clinical finishing, with Pedro Neto’s hat-trick and Estevao’s goal securing a 4-0 victory over Hull City in the FA Cup fourth round.
