Chelsea’s defensive struggles reached a historic low on Saturday as they drew 2-2 with Hull City at Stamford Bridge. Morgan Rogers gave the Blues an early lead in the seventh minute, but Mohamed Belloumi scored twice to put the visitors ahead. João Pedro eventually rescued a point for Xabi Alonso’s side, who dominated possession but once again looked vulnerable without the ball.
The result extended Chelsea’s unwanted defensive run and saw them reach a remarkable 20 consecutive Premier League matches without keeping a clean sheet.
Chelsea’s 20-Game Clean Sheet Drought
Chelsea have now gone 20 league games without a clean sheet, their longest such run in 65 years. The unwanted milestone was confirmed when Belloumi equalised for Hull in the 28th minute, ending Chelsea’s hopes of recording their first Premier League shutout of the campaign.
The defensive problems have become a recurring issue for Alonso since his arrival. Chelsea conceded twice against Fulham on the opening weekend before shipping three goals against Brighton and another two in their defeat to Arsenal.
Their only clean sheet so far this season came in the Carabao Cup against Luton Town, meaning they remain without a Premier League shutout after four matches.
Defensive Problems Continue Under Alonso
Chelsea’s latest defensive collapse was particularly frustrating because they started the game strongly. Rogers put the hosts ahead after a rapid counterattack, but Hull quickly exposed weaknesses at the back.
Belloumi’s first goal came after Chelsea failed to deal with a long ball and subsequent cross, while his second arrived just six minutes later. The Tigers repeatedly found space in dangerous areas and could even have taken all three points late in the match.
João Pedro’s second-half equaliser prevented another defeat, but it could not hide Chelsea’s biggest concern.
For Alonso, fixing Chelsea’s defence will now be a major priority. The Blues have shown plenty of attacking quality this season, but their inability to protect leads and keep opponents out is becoming an increasingly serious problem.