Chelsea's defensive struggles reached a grim new milestone on Saturday as Hull City held them to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, condemning Xabi Alonso's side to 20 league matches without a clean sheet — the first time in 65 years the club has gone that long without one.

It is also the first time in a decade that Chelsea have conceded two or more goals in each of their opening four league fixtures of a season, underlining the scale of the defensive crisis Alonso inherited.

How the goals fell

Chelsea made a bright start, with Morgan Rogers firing the Blues ahead in the 7th minute with a composed, well-taken finish. The lead, however, did not last long. A hopeful ball lofted into the box was badly misjudged by Jorrel Hato, and Mohamed Belloumi pounced to level matters in the 28th minute.

Six minutes later, Belloumi struck again — this time lashing home from the edge of the area to put the newly promoted Hull City in front. The goal left Alonso's defence exposed once more, continuing a pattern that has defined Chelsea's early-season performances.

Chelsea fought back in the 66th minute through Joao Pedro, who slotted home after a neat left-flank move involving Cole Palmer. But a draw was ultimately all they could manage, leaving frustration hanging over west London.

Defensive frailties continue to haunt Chelsea

The clean-sheet drought is one of several alarming statistics piling up around Alonso's backline. Chelsea have now conceded three or more goals in two of their three home matches in all competitions this season, and they shipped three goals in their Carabao Cup midweek win over Leeds — a win that did little to mask the defensive fragility beneath it.

Saturday's result follows a chastening defeat at Arsenal last weekend, and with no signs yet of the back line tightening up, there is considerable work ahead for Alonso and his coaching staff as the Premier League campaign gathers pace.