Fulham vs Chelsea report: Chelsea match report

Chelsea beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage to maintain pace in the top four race. This London derby began with the home side looking to have an immediate positive impact on the game under the new guidance of former player Scott Parker who recently took over after Claudio Ranieri’s dismissal.

They were able to move the ball around well and even troubled the Chelsea fullbacks right from the start and whenever Chelsea countered, they were heavily short on cover at the back.

In the opening minutes, the game flowed with a steady pace and both teams were able to get involved on the ball. But the opening goal didn’t come as too much of a surprise. 

It was the Blues who opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Chelsea worked the ball well down the right-hand side and a low cross into the box from captain Cesar Azpilicueta picked out Gonzalo Higuain’s run into the box. He smashed it past Sergio Rico to make it 1-0 to the Blues.

Soon after though, the Chelsea defence seemed to fall asleep from a Fulham corner. The ball was played long into the box and Calum Chambers smartly pulled away to the far post where he was completely unmarked. 

He volleyed it past a hapless Kepa Arizzabalaga to restore parity at Craven Cottage and bring back some life into the home fans. Their hopes of stealing a point didn’t even last three minutes though. 

Chelsea began to push yet again and a quick counter attack was begun by Willian on the right. He worked the ball well until it found Hazard on the left flank. The Belgian began to charge into box but later pulled it back for Jorginho to strike cleanly.

The Italian’s thumping finish gave Rico no chance and Chelsea’s lead was back in place. The threat of more goals was still a massive concern for newly installed interim manager, Scott Parker. 

In the second half, Chelsea’s control on the game was reduced a little by a passionate display from the Fulham attackers. With serious intent, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon were both able to create brilliant chances. 

But the Chelsea goalkeeper pulled off some magnificent saves, which certainly justifies his massive price tag. 

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The game ended 2-1 with the Blues cruising to victory despite some late pressure from the Cottagers. With a game in hand and still two points off the top four, Sarri will be feeling positive about his team’s position going into the final stage of the Premier League season.

Here’s how some satisfied Chelsea fans reacted to this derby victory: