Joao Pedro scored a superb second-half equaliser as Chelsea recovered from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against promoted Hull City at Stamford Bridge.
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring for the hosts after seven minutes. The club-record £117m signing from Aston Villa shifted the ball beyond Matt Crooks before firing a left-footed effort past Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Chelsea threatened to extend their advantage through Pedro Neto, but a defensive lapse allowed Hull to equalise in the 28th minute. Jorrel Hato lost track of Mohamed Belloumi, who volleyed home Ryan Giles’ cross.
The goal shifted the momentum in Hull’s favour. Lewie Coyle tested Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez before Semi Ajayi headed against the crossbar.
Oli McBurnie reacted quickest to the rebound and directed the ball towards Belloumi, whose shot found the net after taking deflections off Levi Colwill and Reece James.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso replaced Hato with Pep Chavarria at half-time, but his side initially struggled to break down Hull’s organised defence. Tzolakis was called into action to save an excellent James free-kick shortly after the restart.
Hull almost increased their lead when Martinez parried Regan Slater’s effort into the path of McBurnie, but the Argentine goalkeeper produced a brilliant recovery save.
Chelsea finally drew level in the 66th minute. Cole Palmer delivered a dangerous low cross from the left, allowing Joao Pedro to smash a left-footed finish inside the near post.
Palmer and James both tried their luck from the edge of the penalty area as Chelsea pushed for a winner, while Rogers saw the hosts’ best late opportunity saved by Tzolakis.
Alonso introduced Estevao Willian and Danny Welbeck in search of a decisive goal, but Hull substitute Mohamed-Ali Cho arguably had the clearest late chance. However, his poorly struck effort was comfortably saved by Martinez.
The result leaves unbeaten Hull third in the Premier League table, with Chelsea one place behind in fourth.
Chelsea’s attacking quality was again evident, but their defensive problems continued. Alonso’s side have now gone 20 Premier League matches without keeping a clean sheet and have conceded at least twice in every game under their new manager.
Although Chelsea are the division’s leading scorers with 10 goals, only two teams have conceded more than their nine. Their open style has produced entertaining matches but has also left them vulnerable and lacking control.
Hull, meanwhile, continued their remarkable start following promotion. The Tigers remain unbeaten after four league matches, having recorded victories over Manchester United and Coventry alongside draws against Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Despite facing sustained pressure at Stamford Bridge, Hull created several excellent opportunities and might feel disappointed not to have secured all three points.
The visitors’ only major concern was an injury to defender Nobel Mendy, who was forced off following a clash of heads with Joao Pedro shortly before Chelsea’s equaliser.
