Chelsea FC recently scored a barrage of goals against West Ham United, and now the Blues have followed up with another three points in the London derby against Fulham.
Club world champions Chelsea had recently set off an offensive fireworks display in their 5-1 win at West Ham and wanted to continue that in the West London derby. Against Fulham—in their 115th consecutive league game with former German national goalkeeper Leno between the posts—Blues coach Enzo Maresca fielded the same starting lineup at Stamford Bridge as in the previous week.
VAR disallows King’s opening goal
But there was little sign of attacking enthusiasm from the home side. They had the first chance, but Delap’s shot was blocked by Berge (6′). After that, the Blues’ play became increasingly disjointed. Fulham, on the other hand, dared to take a chance: after Andersen (7′) and Iwobi (19′) missed the target, King did better and finished off a counterattack. However, due to an offensive foul in the build-up, VAR intervened and the goal was disallowed (21′).
Fulham continued to have the better chances, with King (27′) and Rodrigo Muniz (31′) both denied by Sanchez. Chelsea only woke up in the closing stages: first, Adarabioyo clumsily deflected a corner over the bar (43′), then George was denied at the near post by a foot save from Leno (45’+9). Deep into stoppage time, the Blues finally had something to cheer about: Joao Pedro headed a corner from Fernandez into the net unchallenged (45+9).
VAR provides another cold shower
As bitter as the first half ended, things continued to be just as bitter for Fulham after the break: Sessegnon handled a cross and, after a VAR review, a penalty was awarded. Fernandez slotted it home to make it 2-0 (56′). Leno saved his team from further damage against Estevao (59′) and Joao Pedro (62′).
The Cottagers looked dismayed after that and failed to pose any further threat, with the Blues controlling the game with a 2-0 lead behind them. The game drifted towards its conclusion, with Leno only having to intervene once more against Joao Pedro (86′). Chelsea secured their second win in a row, having been the more effective team, if not the better one, for long periods. The only sore point for the Blues was Delap’s injury-enforced substitution.
After the international break, the Blues travel to Brentford for their next city derby (September 13, 9 p.m.). A few hours earlier, Fulham host newly promoted Leeds (4 p.m.).
