Liam Delap’s impact against Hull City on 13 February 2026 was a reminder that influence does not always arrive in the form of goals.
The striker failed to score on his return to the MKM Stadium, but his three assists powered Chelsea to a 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round victory and earned strong praise from head coach Liam Rosenior. Rosenior highlighted Delap’s selflessness and tactical discipline as central to the result.
Delap, who spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Hull when Rosenior managed the Tigers, nearly marked the occasion with a goal of his own. Instead, he played provider, setting up Pedro Neto’s opener before half-time and later creating chances for both Estevao Willian and Neto again as Chelsea pulled away comfortably.
Liam Delap assists underline role in Chelsea system
While Neto’s hat-trick grabbed headlines, Delap’s performance arguably shaped the game. His driving run and awareness to square for Estevao instead of shooting himself encapsulated the night. Later, his movement in behind and precise decision-making completed Neto’s treble.
Rosenior was quick to emphasise the broader value of that display.
“That’s what Liam’s all about. Running in behind, using his speed, and then his awareness to pick out Este was top. It was a great run.
To be a number nine, especially in a system that we play, it’s not always about yourself. It’s about bringing other people into play, it’s about sometimes making sacrifice runs so other players get space and against Hull, he started our press so well. It was a top, top display.”
— Liam Rosenior
Having followed Chelsea’s attacking structure closely this season, it is clear that Rosenior’s system demands constant movement from the central striker. Delap’s willingness to stretch the back line and trigger the press allowed Neto and Estevao to operate in more dangerous zones. However, consistency over the coming weeks will determine whether this becomes a defining stretch of his campaign.
Key Insights
- Delap registered three assists in Chelsea’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Hull City on 14 February 2026.
- He returned to the MKM Stadium, where he played on loan in 2023/24.
- Rosenior praised his pressing, movement and selfless play.
- Pedro Neto scored a hat-trick, with Delap assisting twice.
- Chelsea advanced comfortably to the FA Cup fifth round.
What’s Next
Chelsea now await confirmation of their FA Cup fifth-round opponents as attention shifts back to domestic league commitments. Squad rotation is likely to remain a factor, particularly with multiple competitions entering decisive stages.
Much will depend on whether Delap can convert creative displays into goals of his own in upcoming fixtures. If he maintains this blend of work rate and productivity, he strengthens his case as Rosenior’s first-choice striker heading into the final months of the season.
Does this selfless version of Delap make Chelsea more dangerous than a purely goal-focused striker would?
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