Chelsea FC recovered from their poor performance during the week to claim a deserved win in the derby against Fulham. Once again, a Cole Palmer penalty was enough to secure the win
Chelsea boss Maurizio Pochettino made no major changes to his starting eleven despite the disgraceful 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final at Middlesbrough FC, with only Broja starting in place of Madueke.
Despite the few changes, the Blues’ body language was completely different from Tuesday. An early start, high pressing – the Cottagers had a lot of problems with the Blues’ play in the first quarter of an hour.
Fulham coach Marco Silva, who also lost the first leg of the League Cup semi-final with the Cottagers 2-1 at Liverpool FC, made three changes: Tete, captain Cairney and Wilson came into the first eleven for Castagne, Reed and de Cordova-Reid.
Tete, in particular, had his hands full with Sterling, but worked well – and Chelsea’s chances were ultimately limited outside the penalty area. Broja’s header after more than 20 minutes was the first really better approach to Bernd Leno’s goal (21st).
Wilson fails to beat Petrovic – Palmer takes the lead
The German did not have to intervene, however, and so the Cottagers gradually began to venture forward. Wilson had the best chance of the game, but Petrovic failed to convert (28′).
It looked as though the game would go into the break goalless, but in stoppage time Palmer brilliantly set up Sterling, who was brought down by Diop. Palmer converted the resulting spot-kick with ease (45.+4) – his fifth goal in five attempts from the spot this season.
The goal gave the Blues confidence after the restart and they came out of the locker room with renewed commitment. Defensively, CFC had few problems with the visitors, who were very harmless for long periods. For a long time, very little happened in the penalty areas, but when Jimenez profited from a slip by Colwill but failed to hit the ball properly, the final phase had almost begun (74′).
Gallagher hits the post – third Blues win in a row
Chelsea’s defending was not always solid, but they were clever at the right moments and picked up a caution when necessary. At the other end, Gallagher, who hit the post, missed the final chance (83′). Neither side were really dangerous again, so the Blues held on for a narrow victory in a rather unspectacular derby.
Chelsea’s third league win in a row sees them stalk closer to the international places and even overtake Manchester United for the time being. The Cottagers stagnate in lower midfield
The second legs of the League Cup semi-finals are just over a week away for both teams. On January 23 (9 p.m.), Chelsea FC will look to turn around a one-goal deficit at home against Middlesbrough, while Fulham will attempt the same feat at home against Liverpool the following day.
