In-form Hull show why Chelsea fans are in for a rough ride this season

LONDON -- This is the new normal at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea were at times breathtaking in attack as their newly formed front three delivered again. But their defensive frailties were again exposed as they drew 2-2 with Hull City. Even new goalkeeper Emi Martinez seems to have caught the defensive jitters. The only dependable constant in this match was Hull. The newly-promoted team were derided and hotly tipped for relegation from some pundits before a ball was even kicked. But after four matches, they have eight points, remain undefeated and have shipped just two goals -- the double they conceded vs. Chelsea here. No wonder Hull's fans sang songs asking whether certain dismissive pundits were watching this performance. And the really impressive thing? Even as full-time ticked ever closer, they were chasing the win. A draw wasn't enough, not for these Tigers. It was a typically frantic afternoon at the Bridge, but that's what we've come to expect from Xabi Alonso's Chelsea: fantastic heading forward, forever in danger of self-implosion at the back. Chelsea constantly play on the tightrope of risk-reward. The rewards come through the Morgan Rogers-Cole Palmer-João Pedro front three -- the trio linked up for Chelsea's two goals -- but the risks are frequently self-inflicted. Chelsea's defense remains a real problem. They haven't kept a Premier League clean sheet in 20 matches; they've shipped nine goals in four league matches this season. That's not title-winning form. All week the various fantasy football experts were encouraging players to switch up and go with all three of Chelsea's attacking trio. This was going to be the match where Hull's resolve cracked: Pedro, Palmer and Rogers would rip the Tigers apart. And after seven minutes, you thought they were onto something. Hull -- who had beaten Manchester United 2-0, defeated Coventry 1-0 and drawn 0-0 with Aston Villa -- were easily prized open. Martinez claimed a Hull corner, let the ball drop so Chelsea cleared quickly to Palmer on the right wing. He found Pedro who laid it off to Rogers who took a couple of touches to free himself of Hull attention and hammered it past Konstantinos Tzolakis at his near post after just seven minutes. Four matches in and this was unchartered territory for Hull: we haven't yet seen them claw a match back from a goal down. Chelsea had the territory and possession in the final third to grab a second, but Hull must be so incredibly frustrating to play against. They're brilliantly organized. While Chelsea were playing with a new-look four-at-the-back (effectively a 2-4-4 in possession), Hull played with five, a decision which did a great job of nullifying defender Jorrel Hato on Chelsea's left who had a torrid first half. And it was Hato's error which contributed to Hull's equalizer in the 28th minute. Chelsea failed to defend a long free-kick from Tzolakis, after he was fouled by Levi Colwill, the ball bounced, and a cross from Ryan Giles left Hato spinning in the box, positionally adrift, and Mohamed Belloumi grabbed the equalizer with a snapped half volley. For the second, Martinez flapped at a Hull corner, Semi Ajayi's header found the crossbar, and from there, Oli McBurnie's deft layoff found Belloumi whose deflected effort spun past Martinez. Hull were 2-1 up at the break, and their fans were singing about how they were going to win the league. Here's to the believers. Hato was hauled off for Pep Chavarría who brought more solidity on the left for Chelsea, and Chelsea started upping the intensity. Reece James -- again in central midfield -- had a free kick well saved by Tzolakis and Pedro headed over under the bar while under pressure from Nobel Mendy, who was injured in the process. But on the 65th minute, Chelsea got their equalizer. Palmer's ball across the box found Pedro who hammered the ball through Tzolakis. Surely Chelsea would go on to win it from there, complete with effectively a front five with Estêvão and Danny Welbeck introduced from the bench? But instead it was Hull who had the best chance to snatch all three points when Mohamed-Ali Cho failed to convert a great opportunity. Palmer spooned a late free kick over the bar, and the points were shared. Despite the frenetic nature of the match, this really played to script. Chelsea were again defensively shoddy. Players made individual mistakes. The coaches flapped their hands in disbelief and anger on the bench. They looked great heading forward and that front three will cause any defense in the league difficulty. But without Moisés Caicedo, they lacked midfield control and the switch from a back three to a back four (with Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill starting) didn't bring stability. If anything, it created more chaos. Hull were again brilliant. McBurnie was a constant menace up front, while their bench brought further urgency and impetus -- Sorba Thomas especially, playing just a day after he was involved in a car accident. Hull have more signings to introduce to the mix, but the cocktail which they brewed to get them out of the Championship via the playoffs is still working in the top flight. You can't magic up self-belief -- this team are a collective unit, and after four matches, remain one of the few yet to lose. For Chelsea, yet more moments of off-the-seat brilliance, but again, widespread bemusement at their inability to defend in key moments and how players worth millions and millions still persist in making error after error. Steve Bruce, the ex-Manchester United captain, was in the press box and at full time the Chelsea fans asked him if he'd get his boots back on to help their defense. Amid the various swear words, what they pleaded for was stability. That's not something we've seen under Alonso yet. Instead, this is a thrill-a-minute ride. It's great fun, but if you're a Chelsea fan, don't expect the healing balm of a nice routine victory.