Morgan Rogers matches Chelsea greats and key talkings points from Hull draw | OneFootball

More greatness up top is undone by calamity at the back

Another match, more dropped points, the same old story for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea.

The visit of Hull to Stamford Bridge was sure to throw up question marks for the Blues, and it did exactly that. Morgan Rogers’ seventh-minute opener was promptly neutralised by Mohamed Belloumi’s brace, both goals the product of unconvincing defending. Joao Pedro’s second-half equaliser ensured neither side would go home empty-handed.

For Chelsea, it was the same old story as in the seven-goal defeat of Brighton and the midweek comeback against Leeds, and emerging patterns may begin to worry Alonso in the coming international break.

What is Chelsea’s identity?

Chelsea’s tactical approach in this match was always going to come under scrutiny. Given their average of 36.5 per cent possession across their opening three league matches was only marginally higher than Hull’s 28.6%, it was clear the previous emphasis on counter-attacking would need to be abandoned in favour of a more proactive slant.

Pressed as to how he would solve that problem pre-match, Alonso could only say he needed to adapt, but bemoaned Moises Caicedo’s ongoing injury problems.

As was forecast, Chelsea finished this match with the lion’s share of the ball - nearly 70% - but struggled to make it count against Hull’s stubborn low block.

Their opener was the product of another counter and Palmer’s creativity forced the second, but in open play they were largely kept honest, and their star-studded front three kept quieter than in any other match this season.

Despite leading early, Chelsea struggled to impress themselves on their visitors, who had never won and this ground in the league and seemed fully intent on doing so. Their inability to keep control of the tie may well be the biggest concern.

Whether Caicedo’s pending return will fix the problems at hand remains to be seen, but Alonso will know his side must improve in possession if they are to challenge this season.

Jorrel Hato endured a torrid afternoon

Getty

Porous defence a growing concern

We are now six matches into the Alonso era, and Chelsea are yet to shake off the growing pains. Today’s result took their goals conceded tally in all competitions to ten, and extended their wait for a Premier League clean sheet to a staggering 20 matches.

Perhaps most concerning today was the manner in which those goals were conceded. The first was a comedy of errors as Malo Gusto failed to close down Ryan Giles and Jorrel Hato totally misread his cross, allowing Mohamed Belloumi a free one-on-one. His second goal was the product of subpar defending at a corner and an admittedly unfortunate pair of deflections.

This Chelsea side is already gaining a reputation for being entertaining, but that billing exposes the side’s dramatic imbalance. Generally productive forwards are in stark contrast to a leaky back line.

Patch said leaks, and Alonso could have a serious team on his hands.

Rogers joins pantheon of greats as super start continues

Another early goal at Stamford Bridge continued Rogers’ fine start to life in Chelsea blue.

There have been no debates about his nine-figure price tag. They simply have not been warranted. Rogers has hit the ground running, and his latest strike puts him on a par with some of the greatest men to wear the shirt.

His seventh-minute opener against Hull meant he has either scored or assisted in each of his first four appearances for the club. He is the fifth man to do so, following Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa.