Chelsea forced a 2-2 draw against Hull City at Stamford Bridge after a second half equaliser from Joao Pedro in an entertaining Premier League clash.
The Blues eventually opened the scoring through club-record signing Rogers, who joined from Aston Villa for £117m. Rogers shifted the ball past Matt Crooks before firing a left-footed shot beyond Konstantinos Tzolakis. It was the first Premier League goal Hull had conceded this season.
However, a defensive lapse allowed Hull to level in the 28th minute. Jorrel Hato switched off as Mohamed Belloumi met Ryan Giles’ cross with a volley to make it 1-1. The equaliser gave Hull greater confidence.
Hull then turned the pressure into a second goal. After the ball bounced off the woodwork, Oli McBurnie reacted first and directed it towards Belloumi. The forward’s shot took deflections off Levi Colwill and Reece James before finding the net to put Hull 2-1 ahead.
The Blues struggled to break through Hull’s organised defence early in the second half. Tzolakis was only seriously tested by an excellent James free-kick shortly after the restart. Hull also threatened to extend their advantage. McBurnie saw a close-range effort brilliantly saved by Martinez after the Chelsea goalkeeper had parried Regan Slater’s shot into his path.
Chelsea eventually found their equaliser in the 66th minute. Cole Palmer produced an impressive low cross into the box, allowing Joao Pedro to smash a left-footed finish into the near post. The hosts dominated the closing stages as Palmer and James both threatened from outside the box. An excellent opportunity presented itself for Rogers to score a second, but Tzolakis made another important save.
Alonso introduced Estevao Willian and Danny Welbeck as Chelsea pushed for a winner. Hull substitute Mohamed-Ali Cho nearly snatched all three points in the 87th minute, but his poorly struck effort was comfortably saved by Martinez.
The result means Hull City’s dream start continues as they sit third. On the other hand, Chelsea remain fourth on the Premier League table, having dropped points in consecutive games.
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