Chelsea’s defensive problems continued as they were held to a 2-2 draw by promoted Hull City at Stamford Bridge.
Despite scoring twice through Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro, the Blues once again failed to keep a clean sheet, extending their unwanted run to 20 consecutive Premier League matches without one.
Rogers gave Chelsea an early lead in the seventh minute, continuing the club’s fast starts this season. The £117 million signing from Aston Villa moved past Matt Crooks before firing into the bottom corner.
But Chelsea’s defence soon let them down.
Jorrel Hato switched off in the 28th minute, allowing Mohamed Belloumi to meet Ryan Giles’ cross and volley Hull level.
The visitors then turned the game around before half-time. After Semi Ajayi’s header hit the crossbar, Oli McBurnie reacted quickly and the ball eventually fell to Belloumi, whose effort took deflections off Levi Colwill and Reece James before finding the net.
Chelsea had chances to respond, but Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis stood firm.
Joao Pedro eventually rescued a point for Chelsea in the 66th minute, curling a powerful left-footed finish into the near corner after Cole Palmer delivered a dangerous low cross.
The Blues pushed for a winner late on, with Palmer, James and Rogers all coming close. However, Hull survived to take a valuable point from Stamford Bridge.
The result leaves Chelsea fourth in the Premier League, while Hull remain an impressive third.
But for Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, the biggest concern will once again be at the back.
Twenty Premier League games without a clean sheet is now the reality for Chelsea, highlighting a defensive problem that Alonso will need to solve quickly if the Blues are to challenge at the top end of the table.
Chelsea may be scoring goals, but until they learn how to stop conceding them, every match will continue to feel like a fight.
