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Joao Pedro rescues Chelsea as Hull hold Blues to home draw

Joao Pedro continued his impressive start to the season by rescuing a point for Chelsea as Hull City held the Blues to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

The reigning Premier League Player of the Month struck in the 66th minute, smashing Cole Palmer’s low cross into the near post to bring Chelsea level.

The Brazilian’s latest goal came after he had already scored twice and provided two assists in his opening three league games, underlining why he claimed the individual award.

Joao Pedro rescues Chelsea as Hull hold Blues to home draw
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring for Chelsea – Getty image

Hull turn game around before half-time

Chelsea appeared to be in control after Morgan Rogers opened the scoring in the seventh minute.

The club-record £117m signing from Aston Villa shifted the ball past Matt Crooks before firing a left-footed effort beyond Konstantinos Tzolakis.

But Hull responded strongly and punished Chelsea’s defensive lapses.

Jorrel Hato failed to track Belloumi as the Hull forward met Ryan Giles’ cross with a volley in the 28th minute.

The visitors then completed the turnaround shortly before the interval when Belloumi’s effort took deflections off Levi Colwill and Reece James after Oli McBurnie had reacted first to a rebound from the crossbar.

Hull had earlier threatened through Lewie Coyle and Semi Ajayi, who headed against the woodwork.

Chelsea push for winner but Hull hold on

Xabi Alonso replaced Hato with Pep Chavarria at half-time as Chelsea looked for a response, but Hull remained dangerous.

Emi Martinez produced an important save to deny McBurnie after initially parrying Regan Slater’s effort, while Chelsea struggled to create clear opportunities at the other end.

Joao Pedro eventually provided the breakthrough with a powerful finish from Palmer’s delivery, restoring parity for the hosts.

Chelsea pushed for a winner, with Palmer and James both testing Tzolakis from distance and Rogers seeing an effort saved inside the area.

Estevao Willian and Danny Welbeck were introduced late as Alonso searched for a decisive goal, but Hull survived the pressure.

The visitors nearly snatched all three points in the 87th minute when substitute Mohamed-Ali Cho found space, although his effort was comfortably saved by Martinez.

The draw leaves Hull third and Chelsea fourth in the Premier League, with both sides having played four matches.