In a dramatic Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge, Hull City managed a resilient 2-2 draw against a high-scoring Chelsea side, propelling themselves to third place in the table. Meanwhile, Liverpool struggled to break down a resolute Fulham defense, settling for a goalless draw on Saturday.
Chelsea’s attacking trio of Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro, and Cole Palmer once again showcased their flair, combining effectively to create numerous chances. However, defensive frailties persisted for the Blues. Since Xabi Alonso took over managerial duties, Chelsea have netted an impressive 16 goals in five matches against top-tier teams, but their defense has leaked 12 goals during the same span.
Hull, who had maintained three consecutive clean sheets and were the last Premier League team to concede a goal, finally saw their defense breached early on. Rogers opened the scoring by firing in at the near post after just seven minutes, breaking Hull’s streak.
However, Hull responded quickly through Mohamed Belloumi, capitalizing on Chelsea’s defensive lapses. Belloumi expertly volleyed home after Jorrel Hato was caught out under a cross, and later put Hull ahead with a deflected shot following a corner that left goalkeeper Emi Martinez scrambling.
The visitors’ lead was short-lived, as Pedro curled home a precise finish from a Palmer cross just after the hour mark, bringing Chelsea back on level terms. Despite dominating possession in the closing stages, Chelsea were unable to find a winning goal, allowing Hull to extend their impressive start to the season. With only champions Arsenal and Manchester City above them, Hull’s return to the Premier League has been a remarkable success so far.
Fulham Hold Liverpool at Anfield
At Anfield, Liverpool remained unbeaten under caretaker manager Andoni Iraola, but their performance was met with frustration from the home crowd as Fulham secured their first point under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa. The match ended in a 0-0 stalemate, with Liverpool unable to penetrate Fulham’s disciplined defensive setup, while the visitors earned a valuable point on the road.