It was a homecoming filled with emotion, but Liam Rosenior left sentiment at the door.
Returning to the MKM Stadium to face his former club Hull City in the FA Cup fourth round, the Chelsea manager orchestrated a ruthless 4-0 demolition. Despite making eight changes to the side that drew with Leeds United earlier in the week, Rosenior’s men delivered a professional performance, headlined by a stunning hat-trick from Pedro Neto.
Here is how the night unfolded as Rosenior proved his credentials to the traveling Blues faithful.
The narrative going into Friday night was undeniable. Rosenior spent seven seasons at Hull as a player and manager. Earlier in the week, he revealed a touching detail: his late grandmother was a Hull season-ticket holder, leading him to joke that “she did the draw.”
However, once the whistle blew, the nostalgia ended. Despite a shaky start where Alejandro Garnacho and Estêvão missed clear chances, Chelsea eventually found their rhythm.
- The Breakthrough: Just before halftime, Pedro Neto buried a low 20-yard drive to calm the nerves.
- The Floodgates Open: A Neto corner in the 51st minute found the net, followed shortly by a tap-in for Estêvão, set up by the powerful work of Liam Delap.
Player of the Match: Pedro Neto
With Cole Palmer absent from the squad, Pedro Neto stepped into the No. 10 role and delivered a masterclass. The Portuguese winger, whose future has been the subject of debate with the impending arrival of Geovany Quenda, silenced his online critics with the first hat-trick of his senior career.
“For me, he is a world-class player,” Rosenior said after the match. “What I love about him… is what he sacrifices for the team.”
Neto completed his treble in the 71st minute, capping off a performance that showcased his versatility—a trait Rosenior has leaned on heavily, using him in three different roles in a single match against Arsenal last month.
Silencing the Doubters
This win improves Rosenior’s record to 8 wins in 11 matches since arriving from Strasbourg. Critics initially labeled him a “stooge” for the BlueCo ownership group, but his tactical flexibility and bravery in rotating the squad are winning over the doubters. Trusting a rotated squad against a Championship side pushing for promotion was a gamble, but one that paid off handsomely.
The night ended with a touch of class: Rosenior waved to the Hull fans who once cheered his name, before heading for a post-match beer with opposing manager Sergej Jakirovic.
What’s Next?
Chelsea marches on to the FA Cup fifth round, leaving the bitter cold of Hull with a clean sheet and renewed confidence. For Rosenior, it was a business trip—ruthless, professional, and successful.
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