Chelsea gave their fans a perfect Valentine’s Day celebration with a commanding 4–0 victory over Hull City. Pedro Neto was the star of the night, netting a sensational hat-trick to seal an emphatic win.
While Liam Delap and Alejandro Garnacho struggled to make an impact in the first half, Delap responded strongly after the break, showing improved movement and aggression in attack.
Andrey Santos once again proved to be the engine of the Chelsea midfield, controlling tempo and driving the team forward with energy and composure.
Softfootball understands that manager Liam Rosenior has adjusted Enzo Fernández’s role significantly. Unlike the previous system under Enzo Maresca, who often deployed Enzo in half-spaces with heavy defensive transitions Rosenior now positions him centrally. This tactical shift allows Enzo to focus on ball progression and forward play rather than constant box-to-box recovery runs.
The change was evident against Hull, as Chelsea looked more balanced and fluid through the middle. Defensively, Mamadou Sarr delivered a composed and clinical performance, reinforcing Chelsea’s dominance at the back. A 4–0 scoreline is no small statement, regardless of the opposition.
Some may argue it was “just Hull City,” but football has shown repeatedly that underestimating so-called smaller teams can be costly. Chelsea recently dropped points in a 2–2 draw against Leeds proof that nothing is guaranteed.
This result sends a strong message: Chelsea are finding rhythm at a crucial stage of the season. And if these tactical adjustments continue to click, the Blues could become serious contenders in the race ahead.
