For the net

So Chelsea have apparently decided that football is much more entertaining when you completely forget how defending works.

On September 12th, the Blues drew 2-2 with newly promoted Hull City at Stamford Bridge in a match that featured four goals, several defensive headaches, and enough chaos to make a Chelsea supporter seriously consider taking up knitting.

Chelsea did start the match brightly. In fact, they started very brightly.

Just seven minutes in, Morgan Rogers smashed the ball past Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead. It was exactly the kind of start Chelsea wanted.

Unfortunately, Chelsea then remembered they were Chelsea.

“We’re in control!” – Chelsea, probably

In the opening minutes, Chelsea looked comfortable.

Cole Palmer was pulling strings, João Pedro was causing problems, and Morgan Rogers looked dangerous.

Then, in the 28th minute, Chelsea’s defence decided to take the afternoon off.

Jorrel Hato misjudged a long ball, allowing Mohamed Belloumi to stroll on in and equalize.

And just six minutes later, Belloumi struck again.

Yes. Again.

Suddenly, Chelsea had gone from 1-0 up and cruising to 2-1 down and questioning every life decision that led them to this point.

It was the sort of defensive sequence that makes a goalkeeper stare at his defenders and silently ask:

“Hey lads…are we doing this on purpose?”

Hull even hit the crossbar shortly afterward, while Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martínez had to make a huge save to prevent the visitors from going 3-1 ahead.

Somewhere inside the Chelsea defence, an emergency meeting was taking place. Or at least, you’d hope that’s what was happening.

“Are you sure you’re in control?!” – Hull City, definitely.

João Pedro to the rescue

Chelsea came out for the second half looking considerably more interested in winning the football match.

Xabi Alonso made a change, and the Blues began applying more pressure.

Cole Palmer then produced another reminder of why Chelsea supporters love having him on the pitch.

In the 66th minute, Palmer drove toward the byline and delivered a low cross toward João Pedro.

The Brazilian wonder adjusted brilliantly and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

2-2.

Game on.

Chelsea now had PLENTY of time to find a winner.

And they certainly tried.

Reece James tested Tzolakis. Palmer sent an effort over. Morgan Rogers had a golden opportunity late on after being played through by Palmer, but his shot went straight at the Hull keeper.

Because apparently Chelsea supporters hadn’t suffered enough already.

Hull refuse to collapse

To Hull’s enormous credit, the Tigers refused to simply sit back and wait for Chelsea to score.

They continued to threaten, and Mohamed-Ali Cho nearly stole all three points late on.

But Martínez came up big with another important save to keep Chelsea level.

Then came six minutes of stoppage time.

Six minutes for Chelsea to produce a dramatic winner.

Six minutes for Hull to desperately protect their point.

Six minutes for everyone watching to wonder whether their blood pressure would ever get back to appropriate levels.

Chelsea even won a free-kick in a dangerous position right at the end.

Cole Palmer stepped up.

The script was there.

The protagonist was ready.

And the ball was…over the bar.

And with that, the referee blew the final whistle.

2-2.

Final thoughts

Chelsea will probably look at this match and see two very different sides of their team.

Going forward, there was plenty to be proud of. Rogers scored, João Pedro scored, Palmer created chances, and Chelsea DID produce enough opportunities to win the game.

At the other end, however…

well.

Let’s just say that no one in their defence will be receiving an employee of the month award.

Hull City deserve enormous credit. They came to Stamford Bridge, went behind early, recovered, scored twice in six minutes, survived considerable second-half pressure, and left London with a point.

And though there was no winner, Mohamed Belloumi rightfully received the man of the match award. Because scoring twice against Chelsea apparently wasn’t enough; he also wanted to give their defenders something to think about on the bus ride home.

Meanwhile, for Chelsea, the search for defensive stability continues.

The Blues have now conceded in every league game this season, while Alonso himself admitted that the defensive problems are something the team needs to address.

So, Chelsea fans, look on the bright side:

You scored two goals.

And if you ignore the other two…

Actually, you can’t. Never mind.

Oh well, at least you guys can try again next week. That’s the important thing.