Hull City 0-4 Chelsea: Liam Delap misses sitter but assists three goals in FA Cup
BBC World
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Liam Delap of Chelsea turned in a standout performance despite missing a golden opportunity early in the match against Hull City in the FA Cup. Despite his initial lapse—an open-net chance that slipped through his grasp—Delap bounced back remarkably, delivering three assists as Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 victory. His contributions were key to the win, including setting up Pedro Neto for two goals and Estevao Willian for another. Delap's ability to recover from his mistake and adapt showcased his resilience and growing importance to the team.
Delap's performance drew mixed reactions. While Premier League legend Alan Shearer criticized him for his slow decision-making on the missed sitter, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior praised Delap's overall impact. Despite starting only two of Chelsea's last nine Premier League games, Delap demonstrated his value in this match, consistently creating chances and linking play effectively. His assists highlighted his ability to operate as a selfless number nine, making sacrifices to benefit the team.
Delap's recovery from the early mistake was remarkable, and his assist for Neto's first goal came after an impressive 40th-minute pass—a rare moment of precision in a game where he had previously lost possession eight times. His performance also included clever hold-up play and powerful drives into the box, earning praise from commentators like Micah Richards, who described it as "brilliant." Delap's ability to adapt and contribute despite criticism underscored his potential as a multi-faceted striker.
The match highlighted Chelsea's depth and their ability to find alternatives in attack. With in-form forward Joao Pedro on the bench, Delap was given the opportunity to shine. His performance not only secured a comfortable win for Chelsea but also showcased his versatility and growing influence within the squad. As the Blues look ahead, Delap's ability to replicate this form in the Premier League could prove crucial in their quest for success across competitions.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/13/2026