Chelsea moved into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a dominant 4-0 victory over Hull City, highlighted by a Pedro Neto hat-trick that included a goal
direct from a corner. Estevao added another strike, while head coach Liam Rosenior marked a winning return to The MKM Stadium after Hull dismissed Rosenior in May 2024.
The visitors controlled key moments across both halves and limited Hull City to few clear chances. Chelsea converted pressure into goals at crucial times, punished defensive mistakes, and showed composure in front of goal. Neto’s clinical finishing and Estevao’s energy in attack underlined Chelsea’s advantage, while Hull struggled to match the intensity or precision.
Although Neto has been experiencing a Premier League scoring drought, the forward continues to deliver in the FA Cup. This treble moved Neto to four goals in two appearances in the competition this season. It also marked Neto’s first senior hat-trick and the first by a Chelsea player in an FA Cup game since Tammy Abraham against Luton Town in January 2021.
Estevao’s season also reached a new mark during this FA Cup tie for Chelsea. The forward now has seven goals in all competitions for the club this campaign, which is the highest total recorded by a Chelsea teenager in a single season during the Premier League era. Among 18-year-olds in Europe’s top five leagues this term, only Lamine Yamal, with 15 goals, has scored more.
Chelsea almost struck early when Mamadou Sarr sent a long pass over the top for Estevao. Estevao rounded goalkeeper Dillon Phillips but lifted a left-footed shot over the bar with the goal open. Soon after, Phillips’ attempted clearance rebounded off Liam Delap onto the crossbar, before the goalkeeper recovered to stop Chelsea’s number nine on the follow-up.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes before half-time and came from another Delap and Neto combination. Delap laid the ball off at the edge of the penalty area, and Neto guided a precise low effort into the bottom-right corner. That finish shifted control firmly towards Chelsea after an opening period where Hull had occasionally threatened on transitions.
FA Cup control as Chelsea and Pedro Neto finish off Hull City
Chelsea restarted strongly after the interval, forcing Phillips into action almost at once. Andrey Santos met a cross with a firm header, which Phillips pushed over the bar. From the resulting corner in the 51st minute, Neto whipped in a dangerous delivery that sailed untouched into the net, doubling Chelsea’s lead and increasing Hull’s defensive frustration.
Chelsea’s third goal arrived eight minutes later and again involved Delap’s work in the build-up. Delap helped progress the ball before Estevao collected possession and drove a powerful shot past Phillips from inside the box. Neto then completed the scoring in the 71st minute, exchanging passes with Delap before striking a right-footed shot beyond Phillips’ reach to secure the hat-trick.
We're through to the next round! #CFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/v6hpzdDCLVChelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 13, 2026
Hull City nearly reduced the deficit late on when Lewis Koumas found space and struck towards the far post. The effort beat the goalkeeper but bounced back off the upright, denying Hull a consolation. Chelsea’s defence then saw out the remaining minutes with little difficulty, protecting both the clean sheet and a result that reflected their control.
Key numbers from this FA Cup tie underline Chelsea’s superiority under Rosenior. Since Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have won eight of 11 matches in all competitions, the joint-highest total among clubs in Europe’s top five leagues during that spell. The performance against Hull continued that run and maintained momentum heading deeper into the season.
Expected goals also supported the final scoreline, with Chelsea generating a higher attacking output than Hull. The visitors recorded an xG of 1.68 from 13 attempts, compared with Hull’s 0.87 from 10 shots. Chelsea’s forwards converted their best openings, while Hull failed to make limited opportunities count.
| Team | Goals | Shots | xG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | 4 | 13 | 1.68 |
| Hull City | 0 | 10 | 0.87 |
Chelsea leave The MKM Stadium with progress secured, a clean sheet and standout individual displays. Neto’s first senior hat-trick, Estevao’s record-setting season and Rosenior’s winning return to Hull combined to shape a clear result. With form strong in cup competitions, Chelsea now approach the FA Cup fifth round with confidence and established attacking rhythm.
