Chelsea defensive flaws exposed in 2-2 Hull draw

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Chelsea drew 2-2 with newly promoted Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and Xabi Alonso expressed frustration with his side’s defending after the result.

Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea an early lead, scoring with just over six minutes played. Hull responded through Mohamed Belloumi, who scored twice before half-time to put the visitors ahead. Joao Pedro equalised in the 66th minute after work from Cole Palmer down the left, but Chelsea were unable to find a winner.

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Alonso said Chelsea must be prepared for danger from every situation after Hull’s goals. He pointed to the long ball and two bounces that led to the equaliser, and said the team would be punished if it was soft or unprepared. He also said Chelsea could improve in how it held together, kept distances, showed intensity and defended.

Alonso brands Chelsea “soft” after defensive mistakes

Moments before Hull’s equaliser, Malo Gusto had been instructed by Alonso and coach Austin MacPhee to be more front-footed and aggressive in his defensive play. Gusto, playing in a more conventional right-back role after recent appearances in central midfield, was too far back when Ryan Giles hooked the ball into the box.

Jorrel Hato then had to deal with the bouncing ball inside the area. He misjudged its flight as it looped over his head, allowing Belloumi the opportunity to finish. Hato was substituted at the start of the second half. For more from the manager, read the full transcript of Alonso’s press conference.

Hull’s other goal also came after Chelsea failed to clear a corner. Emiliano Martinez came out to punch the delivery before Semi Ajayi met the ball with a header that struck the crossbar. Chelsea could not clear the danger, and Belloumi’s subsequent effort inside the box was deflected past Martinez.

Rogers, Palmer and Joao Pedro provided Chelsea’s attacking threat, but the draw again highlighted the team’s defensive concerns. Reece James and Romeo Lavia played in midfield, while Moises Caicedo remained absent. Alonso acknowledged that defensive issues were affecting Chelsea’s game and said they would need time to address them.

Chelsea had won their previous three matches against Fulham, Luton Town and Brighton before the Hull draw. Their next fixture is a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium, where Alonso will seek a more assured performance from his side.

In other news…

Read our breakdown of Xabi Alonso’s tactical principles for more on the system behind Chelsea’s defensive vulnerability.

See the XI Alonso selected in our predicted lineup preview ahead of the Hull draw.