Soccer-Hull extend unbeaten start with 2-2 draw at Chelsea


Soccer Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Hull City - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - September 12, 2026 Hull City's Mohamed Belloumi celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

Sept 12 (Reuters) - Hull City managerSergej ⁠Jakirovic said his side could be proud of their performance after a ⁠2-2 draw at Chelsea on Saturday at Stamford Bridge extended the promoted ‌side's unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

Chelsea went ahead through Morgan Rogers before Mohammed Belloumi punished a defensive error to level for Hull, who then took the lead and looked set for another ​shock win until Joao Pedro struck in the 66th ⁠minute.

Chelsea pressed for a winner ⁠late on but Hull held firm to claim a point and move to eight ⁠from ‌their opening four matches.

"I feel good. We have to be happy. It's a huge result for us," Jakirovic told the BBC."We had 2-1 at halftime ⁠and we had a 100% chance with(Oli) McBurnie but (Emiliano) Martinez's ​save was excellent... We ‌can be very happy. We took a point in a very demanding ⁠match.

"Eight points against ​very difficult opponents. We have to continue like this."

Widely predicted for relegation before the campaign, Hull have opened with successive wins, announcing themselves with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United ⁠on the opening weekend before winning away at Championship ​winners Coventry and drawing with Aston Villa.

Their impressive start has been built on defensive organisation and disciplined performances against more established opponents, with goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis again playing a ⁠key role when he produced several important savesas his side held their own against Chelsea's attacking threat.

CHELSEA'SPOOR DEFENCE

While Hull's early-season form has attracted growing attention, Chelsea's defensive problems continue to raise concerns.

The hosts dominated possession but were once again punished for lapses ​at the back, with a mistake by Jorrel Hato ⁠allowing Hull back into the game.

Chelsea have failed to keep a clean sheet in the ​Premier League this season despite spending an extraordinary ‌summer making 11 signings for a total of £349 ​million ($471.78 million) and selling 17 players as part of yet another rebuild under yet another manager.

($1 = 0.7398 pounds)

(Reporting by Paras J. Haji in Bengaluru)

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