The FA Cup fourth-round tie between Chelsea and Hull City saw a decisive performance from winger Pedro Neto, who scored a hat-trick to secure a 4-0 victory for his team and a place in the next round. The match also marked Liam Rosenior's return to his former club, Hull City, where he previously played and managed.
The stakes were evident as Chelsea, an eight-time FA Cup winner, aimed to progress in the competition. Hull City, a Championship side, sought to cause an upset against a Premier League opponent. The backdrop of Liam Rosenior's return to the MKM Stadium, a venue where he has significant history as both a player and manager, added a layer of personal narrative to the competitive encounter.
Match Details and Key Events
The match, played on February 13, 2026, at the MKM Stadium, concluded with a final score of Hull City 0, Chelsea 4.
Read More: Pedro Neto Scores Three Goals as Chelsea Beats Hull City
Goal Scorers:
Pedro Neto: 40', 51', 71'
Estevao Willian: (approx. 59')
Assists: Liam Delap is credited with multiple assists, including for Neto's final goal.
Competition: FA Cup, Fourth Round
Venue: MKM Stadium, Hull
Attendance: 24,320
Evidence of Chelsea's Dominance
Multiple reports highlight Chelsea's control over the match, with Pedro Neto emerging as the standout player. His three goals, the first senior hat-trick of his career, were crucial to the decisive scoreline.
Neto's opening goal came in the first half, described as a "superb strike."
His second goal was scored early in the second half, a direct effort from a corner that evaded the Hull goalkeeper.
The third and final goal, completing his hat-trick, was a "neat finish" in the 71st minute, assisted by Liam Delap.
Estevao Willian added Chelsea's third goal before the hour mark.
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"A Pedro Neto hat-trick fired Chelsea through to the FA Cup fifth round with a comfortable win at Championship Hull City." - BBC Sport
"Neto completed his hat-trick on 70 minutes, again latching onto a Delap touch before finishing with an instinctive, poacher's finish." - Goal.com
Liam Rosenior's Return to Hull
The match held particular significance for Hull City's manager, Liam Rosenior. He has a deep connection to the club, having supported them as a child, played for them for five years, and managed them for two seasons. This FA Cup fixture represented his first return to the MKM Stadium since his departure.
Rosenior's managerial record with Chelsea in other competitions, excluding losses in the League Cup semi-finals, shows eight wins and one draw from nine matches.
His FA Cup campaign with Chelsea began with a 5-1 win against Charlton in the third round.
Read More: Chelsea Beats Hull City 4-0 in FA Cup Match
"On an emotional return to the MKM Stadium – where he was a former player and manager – the Londoners cruised into the last 16." - The Argus
Performance Analysis and Notable Moments
Beyond the goals, other moments indicated Chelsea's strong performance and Hull's struggle to assert pressure.
Hull City "never threatened to cause an upset."
Both Estevao and Liam Delap missed significant scoring opportunities in the first half.
Despite challenging weather conditions ("snow swirling"), Chelsea maintained their offensive intensity.
Pedro Neto was awarded "Man of the Match" for his hat-trick.
"Chelsea are back in Premier League action on Saturday, 21 February, when they host 19th-placed Burnley (15:00 GMT)." - BBC Sport
Expert Insights and Commentary
Commentary surrounding the match focused on Pedro Neto's exceptional performance and Chelsea's assured progression.
Neto's performance was described as "magic" and his hat-trick as "clinical."
Fans noted the effectiveness of Liam Rosenior's tactical adjustments, particularly in the second half.
The manner of Chelsea's victory suggested a confident display, moving them into the FA Cup fifth round.
"Chelsea fans insist 'Rosenior deserves massive credit' after 'fantastic' star shines in new role." - GiveMeSport
Conclusion and Future Implications
Chelsea's commanding 4-0 victory over Hull City, driven by Pedro Neto's hat-trick, signifies a straightforward advancement into the FA Cup fifth round. The match also provided a notable return for manager Liam Rosenior to his former club. The outcome reflects Chelsea's ability to perform decisively in cup competitions, while Hull City was unable to replicate any upset potential. Chelsea will await their next opponent in the fifth round, with the draw to take place before a subsequent match.
Sources
BBC Sport: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c98g4jxd8jpt - Provides a detailed live report of the match, focusing on key events, goals, and player performances.
The Argus: https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/national/25854765.pedro-neto-scores-chelsea-hat-trick-liam-rosenior-earns-win-return-hull/ - Reports on Pedro Neto's hat-trick and Liam Rosenior's return to his former club.
France24: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260213-neto-treble-fires-chelsea-s-fa-cup-rout-of-hull - Covers the FA Cup tie, highlighting Neto's hat-trick and Chelsea's win at Hull.
Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15556945/hull-city-chelsea-fa-cup-neto-hat-trick.html - Details Pedro Neto's first Chelsea hat-trick in the FA Cup victory over Hull City.
Goal.com US: https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/chelsea-player-rating-vs-hull-pedro-neto-hat-trick-estevao-liam-rosenior/blt6645ce0822c9cd2f - Includes player ratings and a summary of the match, emphasizing Neto's and Estevao's contributions.
ESPN: https://www.espn.com/soccer/match//gameId/401850946/chelsea-hull-city - Provides the final score, goal times, and basic match information.
GiveMeSport: https://www.givemesport.com/chelsea-hull-fa-cup-liam-rosenior-pedro-neto-shines/ - Focuses on fan reactions and commentary regarding Liam Rosenior and Pedro Neto's performance.
The Sun: https://www.thesun.ie/sport/16534909/hull-chelsea-pedro-neto-hat-trick-blues-fa-cup-rosenior/ - Reports on Pedro Neto's hat-trick and Chelsea's comfortable win in the FA Cup.
