Hull City 0-4 Chelsea: Liam Delap misses sitter but assists three goals in FA Cup

The former Manchester City striker has started just two of Chelsea’s last nine Premier League matches but Liam Rosenior gave him a chance and in-form striker Joao Pedro was relegated to the bench.

And despite Delap’s poor decision, the Blues boss praised the striker’s response and his part in the success.

The ball he played to Neto for the opening goal in the 40th minute was the first pass he completed in the final third, despite having already lost the ball eight times.

His second assist for Estevao came after some superb defensive play, connecting Neto with a powerful strike into the box for the second time at the MKM Stadium.

Rosenior described Delap’s performance as “the best” and said: “Being number nine, especially in a system we play in, it’s not always about yourself.

“It’s about bringing other people into the game. Sometimes it’s about making sacrifices to make room for other players.”

Former Blackburn and Newcastle striker Shearer added: “Delap recovered well from the start and was instrumental in the win. He deserves huge credit for that.”

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards hopes Delap can “repeat that in the Premier League”.

“I think Liam Delap’s playing is excellent,” he told BBC One. “What I liked about it was that when Hull set up that front five, they thought about whether Delap could get into the space.”

While Delap must wait for his next goal, former Spurs and Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown added on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Delap can do anything. He’s like a comeback and an all-around number nine.”

“He is very effective during the game. He is good in the air, can hold the ball well, defend and finish.

“I think it’s another outlet. Chelsea now have a plan B if they want to use it and that could be an option.”