CHELSEA booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup – but only after yet another late scare.
The Blues were forced to hold out for a 2-1 win after Michy Batshuayi and Fikayo Tomori’s goals proved to be enough.
Chelsea held out for a 2-1 against Championship HullCredit: Reuters
Frank Lampard’s men controlled large parts of the game with their quality in midfield but their inability to convert chances meant they had to defend their lead up until the final whistle.
Here’s how Jack Figg rated Chelsea’s performers.
Willy Caballero – 6
A quiet game for the veteran Argentine who showed great composure and skill with the ball at his feet but no chances to pull off memorable saves. Completely wrongfooted for Hull’s goal.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
Was bright down the right flank, something the Spaniard has been accused of lacking this season. Rarely out of position and a solid performance by the Blues skipper.
Kurt Zouma – 7
Was the more aggressive of the two centre-backs but the Frenchman made some good challenges and blocks.
Fikayo Tomori headed in what turned out to be a Chelsea winnerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Fikayo Tomori – 9
Returning from injury the England defender was comfortable on the ball and showed excellent position as he could be knocking on the door to break into Gareth Southgate’s starting 11. Great header to win the game and made some really important challenges to deny Hull any late chances.
Marcos Alonso – 5
With the left-back role at Stamford Bridge still relatively up for grabs the Alonso impressed with some bombing runs down the left and crosses. But a familiar story the Spaniard, especially in the second-half, was too easily beaten down his flank.
Ross Barkley – 6
Started well and produced a great cross for Tomori’s goal. But during the final stages of the match the midfielder got slightly careless with the ball rolling under his foot – but Hull failed to take advantage on the counter.
Mateo Kovacic bossed the first-half but dropped off after the breakCredit: PA:Press Association
Mateo Kovacic – 7
After a great first 45 bossing the game as the deep-lying midfielder with some great passing, the Croation was nullified more after the break. When needed Kovacic defended well in the second-half.
Mason Mount – 7
After coming under criticism in recent games Mount responded well with some great runs from deep and through balls. Slowed down after the hour mark but put in a great shift in midfield.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6
After a great performance against Arsenal the promising forward followed up as he always looked to attack Hull’s right wing. Not given as much space in the second-half as he was brought off with 12 minutes to go.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was electric at times down the Chelsea wingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Pedro – 6
Having been given a lack of minutes this season the Spaniard was slightly lacking in end product but still made smart runs in attack and worked well defensively getting back.
Michy Batshuayi – 6
Good positioning for the goal but got fortunate with the deflection. The Belgian was positive going forward but lack of consistent minutes showed with a couple of misplaced and heavy touches.
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Willian (for Mount) – 6
Came on after 68 minutes and made an impact cutting in from the left. The Brazilian came inside and put through Pedro in a great move but the shot was dragged wide.
Billy Gilmour (for Hudson-Odoi) – 6
The young midfielder came in as the holding midfielder also on 68 minutes and pushed Kovacic just out to the left of the three-man partnership. Gilmour looked composed on the ball and tested George Long with a shot outside the box.
Tariq Lamptey (for Pedro) – 5
The versatile youngster wasn’t given the chance to do much as he came on in injury time but Blues fans will be happy to see Lamptey in Lampard’s plans.
Michy Batshuayi opened the lead with his deflected goalCredit: Reuters
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
