Premier League high-flyers Chelsea beat Championship hopefuls Hull City by a 2-1 scoreline after a nail-biting finish to what should’ve been a comfortable victory for Frank Lampard’s side. The Blues were utterly dominant in the first half, but were only able to manage a deflected Michy Batshuayi goal to show for it. Although Fikayo Tomori doubled the Londoners’ lead in the second half, they were never comfortable at any stage during the tie, and were made to pay after a Tigers free-kick deflected in off Mateo Kovacic. Despite some late pressure though, the Blues were eventually able to see the game out and secure progress into the fifth round of this season’s FA Cup.
Here are the Chelsea players rated in their narrow win over Hull City.
Willy Caballero – 6.5
Wasn’t called into action on too many occasions but didn’t deal overly well with crosses in the first half. Made a couple of decent catches in the second half and helped see out the game.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
The Spaniard was given tons of space down the right flank by the Championship club in the first-half but was a lot more conservative in the second period as the Tigers began to apply pressure.
Kurt Zouma – 7
The Frenchman was a dominant figure at the back for the Blues as he headed away most of the balls that came his way. Picked up an unnecessary booking for dissent in the second half.
Fikayo Tomori – 8
The youngster, alongside his French partner, was a brick wall at the back for the Blues and didn’t allow the likes of Bowen any space. Took his chance well to double Chelsea’s lead.
Marcos Alonso – 6.5
The Spaniard worked hard in defence against the energetic Hull attackers but was often given the run-around. Made some good forward dashes but didn’t really impact the tie.
Mateo Kovacic – 7.5
The Croatian was the commander of the fixture all through the first half as he picked up the ball in acres of space and sprayed passes left and right. Earned himself a man-marker in the second.
Mason Mount – 6.5
The youngster took a couple of heavy touches in important situations and didn’t look overly confident with his passing either. Could’ve finished the game off in the first half as well.
Ross Barkley – 7.5
The former Everton man had an excellent second half while the rest of the Chelsea team struggled. He played some good passes and showed some neat touches in the middle of the park as well.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7.5
The speedster gave veteran defender Eric Lichaj a horrid time in the first half with his direct and powerful running. Much more subdued in the second half as Hull began to turn up the heat.
Michy Batshuayi – 6.5
The Belgian positioned himself well ahead of the Blues’ opener but didn’t have too much direct impact apart from that moment. Held the ball up at times and linked up play too.
Pedro – 6.5
The Spaniard had a couple of excellent chances to kill the game off in the second half but wasn’t able to take them. Looked like a player who hasn’t been playing a lot of first-team football.
Substitutes
Willian – 6
The Brazilian wasn’t at his best after coming on as he could’ve had a more meaningful impact in the final third. Worked hard at the back as Hull piled on the pressure.
Billy Gilmour – 7.5
The Scottish midfielder came on and took over control in the middle of the park. He brought teammates into the game and even had a pop at goal that was on target. A superb display from the youngster.
Tariq Lamptey – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
