Chelsea’s push for an emphatic response to their recent defeat to Arsenal stalled on Saturday as newly promoted Hull City fought back from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

The result leaves Xabi Alonso’s side dropping further points on home turf and extends a frustrating run that has now seen them draw three of their opening four Premier League matches this season, two of them at home.

The Blues made the perfect start when Morgan Rogers finished smartly just seven minutes in to put the hosts ahead. But rather than folding, Hull responded with real conviction, and Mohamed Belloumi turned the match on its head with two goals in the space of six minutes before halftime to send the visitors in front at the break. It was a stunning turnaround from a side many had expected to be overwhelmed on their trip to west London.

Chelsea regrouped after the interval and pressed for an equaliser, eventually finding it in the 66th minute when Cole Palmer picked out Joao Pedro with a delightful pull back, and the Brazilian forward finished emphatically into the roof of the net. It marked Joao Pedro’s third goal involvement in four league appearances this season, underlining his growing influence in Alonso’s attack.

Despite dominating the closing stages and being awarded six minutes of stoppage time to find a winner, Chelsea could not find a way through a well organised Hull backline. Tim Iroegbunam and Brooke Norton Cuffy were both booked late on as the visitors dug in to protect their point, ultimately seeing out the game to remain unbeaten this season.

For Hull, the result is another eye catching chapter in what has already been a surprising start to life back in the top flight, with the Tigers now picking up points against one of the division’s traditional heavyweights. For Chelsea, questions will continue to mount over their inability to close out matches at home, with Alonso needing to find answers quickly before the gap to the division’s front runners grows.

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