Chelsea's mentality thrills Rosenior in FA Cup victory over Hull

Liam Rosenior was thrilled with the mentality and attitude on show by his Chelsea during their FA Cup fourth-round win over Hull City on Friday. 

Rosenior watched on as the Blues emerged 4-0 victors at The MKM Stadium, with Pedro Neto's first senior hat-trick helping the visitors on their way to a comfortable triumph. 

Indeed, Neto's treble was the first by a Chelsea player in an FA Cup match since Tammy Abraham against Luton Town in January 2021, but Rosenior was keen to praise the team as a whole rather than individuals. 

Chelsea finished the game with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.68 from 13 shots to Hull's 0.9 from their 10 attempts, and they could have won by a more handsome scoreline.

Nevertheless, they ticked off another win under Rosenior. Since he replaced Enzo Maresca, the Blues have won the joint most games of any side in Europe's top-five leagues in all competitions (eight in 11 games).

"I was delighted with the players' application and attitude in the first half. It was a difficult game. All credit to Hull, they are flying high in the Championship," Rosenior said. 

"I do hope they make the Premier League this year, but because of our attitude and application to the game, the quality is always there, that is what gave us the platform tonight.

"We've had some good 90 minutes. Obviously, you want every minute of every game you want to be perfect.

"There are a lot of things we can improve, but in terms of our start together, I am delighted with it. Pedro Neto has been outstanding, he works so hard and he has so much quality.

"I am delighted to see him get the goals he got today. Everyone worked really, really hard for each other.

"The most pleasing aspect was the mentality. They were a credit to the club. It was a really strong performance in terms of the mental application you need to be successful."

Estevao was also on target for Chelsea. He now has seven goals in all competitions for this season – the most by a teenager for the club in a season in the Premier League era.

In addition, only Barcelona's Lamine Yamal (15) has more goals as an 18-year-old in all competitions this season for a top five European club than Chelsea's rising star. 

However, the day belonged to Neto, who enjoyed another away day to remember. 

His first five Chelsea goals were scored at Stamford Bridge – since then, just one of his 14 goals has been netted at home (10 away, three neutral venues).

The Portugal international put the Blues in control six minutes after the restart, with his teasing corner floating all the way past Hull goalkeeper Dillon Phillips and into the net. 

"Normally, the ball has to go there. We started to celebrate. I thought Jorrel Hato touched it, but he said no, it is your goal," Neto said of his second goal of the game.

The result also ensured Chelsea have now won their last 18 FA Cup matches against sides from a lower division by an aggregate score of 58-11.

However, with a clash against Burnley up next for the Blues and the race to finish in the Premier League top four heating up, Neto urged his team to remain focused. 

"Most of all, I am happy to go through to the next round. We have to keep winning, but firstly we have to keep improving," Neto added.