Liam Rosenior hails Chelsea’s ‘outstanding professionals’ after cup win at Hull

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior admitted his side’s work ethic was the stand-out feature as they cruised to a 4-0 win at his former club Hull in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Pedro Neto fired a hat-trick, his second direct from a corner, while Brazil winger Estevao was also on target as Championship promotion chasers Hull were swept aside at the MKM Stadium.

Rosenior, making his first return to the club where he was player and manager, said: “The overall positive thing was the application of the team. Our pressing, our intensity, our work rate and Pedro exemplified that, to be honest.

“That’s why he scores the goals that he does. I’m very lucky to have such talented players. What I’m really realising quickly is they’re not good players, they’re outstanding professionals.

“It was a really professional performance against a very good team, who are pushing for the Premier League.

“This is not an easy game, and some of our football was everything I want to see. But before that, the values of what the team stood for tonight made me a very happy coach.”

Chelsea spurned several first-half chances, with Rory Delap and Estevao the guilty parties in particular, while Hull never threatened an upset.

Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic has led them to fourth in the second tier, five points off the top two and Rosenior hopes his former club can seal top-flight promotion.

“The spirit and the character of the team and their threat in transition,” he said. “I really hope it happens. So I wish them all the best.

“It’s so nice to see so many really welcoming faces here and I think the manager is doing a fantastic job.”

While Rosenior made seven changes, Jakirovic made six of his own with one eye on his side’s promotion push.

The Bosnian, who felt