Chelsea dropped more points in the Premier League title race after conceding in the final minute of a 2-1 loss to rivals Fulham on Boxing Day. Enzo Maresca’s Blues have failed to win back-to-back matches against sides from outside the traditional ‘big six‘ and now sit four points behind leaders Liverpool, who boast two games in hand.
Lineups
Chelsea started with Robert Sanchez in goal, Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella in defence, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, and Mateo Kovacic in midfield, and Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, and Jadon Sancho up front.
Fulham lined up with Bernd Leno in goal, Antonee Robinson, Issa Diop, Tim Ream, and Calvin Bassey in defence, with Joao Palhinha, Sasa Lukic, and Harrison Reed in midfield, and Harry Wilson, Carlos Vinicius, and Adama Traore up front, with Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz making appearances later in the game.
How the Match Unfolded
Chelsea took the lead in 16 minutes through Cole Palmer, who weaved past two hapless defenders before curling in a strike at the near post from the edge of the box. Fulham went close to an equaliser soon after, but Calvin Bassey’s limp finish was easily saved by Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea ought to have doubled their lead, but Bernd Leno tipped away Enzo Fernandez’s delivery from a wide free-kick. In the second half, Fulham grew into the game. Alex Iwobi forced his way past Pedro Neto and slipped in Antonee Robinson, whose cross was knocked back by Timothy Castagne and in for Harry Wilson to prod over the line.
Chelsea quickly rallied to try and find a late winner but were denied by a top stop from Leno when the ball fell to Sancho inside the 18-yard box. With Maresca pushing everyone forward, Fulham hit the Blues on the break for a last-gasp goal of their own. Sasa Lukic broke down the right and found Rodrigo Muniz steaming in to slam home.
Post-Match Analysis
The defeat was Chelsea’s third loss of the Premier League season, and Enzo Maresca will be looking for an emphatic response from his team. The Blues had the ball in the net from a second-half corner, but the offside flag denied them. Fulham’s late double will give them confidence, and they continue to climb up the Premier League table, level on points with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
What the Coaches Said
Enzo Maresca praised Fulham’s ability to quickly transition the game from defence into attack, saying, “It is exactly what I said to them. That we can manage the game better… They are very good in transition.”
Player of the Match
Bernd Leno was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, making several key saves, including a crucial stop from Christopher Nkunku and Jadon Sancho, to help Fulham secure a historic 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. His impressive display earned him a 9.5/10 rating, with many praising his ability to keep Fulham in the game, particularly in the second half.
What Next
Chelsea will look to bounce back from the defeat when they face Ipswich Town on Monday evening, December 30. Enzo Maresca expects to make changes to the team, saying, “For sure, we are going to change something.” The Blues will be looking to get back to winning ways and close the gap on leaders Liverpool.
EPL Table Standing
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