The Stamford Bridge outfit completed a brilliant late comeback in the west London derby to keep their top-five hopes alive
Chelsea kept their hopes of securing a return to the Champions League alive as Pedro Neto's stoppage-time strike completed a come-from-behind, 2-1 win for the Blues over local rivals Fulham on Sunday.
Fulham, who were dominant throughout but simply lacked a cutting edge, had the ball in the net within five minutes against a disjointed Chelsea side, as Andreas Pereira turned the ball home, but Ryan Sessegnon was offside in the build-up. In the 20th minute, however, the Cottagers did score, with Alex Iwobi slamming a superb low finish into the bottom corner.
Ten minutes after the resumption of the second half, Neto had a huge chance to equalise, but his effort from 10 yards out was well-saved by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
The hosts enjoyed a degree of comfort throughout the second half until Enzo Maresca chose to substitute striker Nicolas Jackson and replace him with 19-year-old Tyrique George, who pulled the Blues level with a fine strike from the edge of the box in the 83rd minute. And Neto then scored a superb winner in injury time, spinning and powering a brilliant half-volley into the roof of the net, earning Chelsea three points in what can be fairly termed as a smash-and-grab victory.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Craven Cottage…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (5/10):
Went down in stages for Iwobi's goal, though it was a fine finish. Distribution was poor but kept control of his area throughout.
Reece James (2/10):
Lost the ball before Iwobi scored. An error he couldn't afford to make. Subbed at half-time after a dire display.
Trevoh Chalobah (7/10):
Good on the ball as ever and did well against the threat of Jimenez. Continued to perform when shifted to full-back.
Levi Colwill (5/10):
Booked and appeared rather timid thereafter. Struggled immensely in the air.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
Slightly overwhelmed by Fulham's vibrancy but did well to put his body on the line repeatedly. Consistently a player for the big occasion.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Enzo Fernandez (6/10):
Iwobi burst past him to score the opener. Erratic in his output on the ball but fizzes with energy and gets forward often.
Moises Caicedo (5/10):
Surrendered possession a couple of times. Not as effective as he usually is, but constantly willing to put his foot in, though was booked as a result.
Getty Images SportAttack
Noni Madueke (4/10):
Barely got into the game. Two successful dribbles but couldn't manage to get a shot on target, nor did he create a chance. Subbed at half-time.
Cole Palmer (4/10):
Took a couple of pot-shots. Struggled to find any space and impact the game. Went missing and was indebted to both George and Neto.
Pedro Neto (7/10):
Missed a huge chance as Leno denied him from 10 yards out. The most threatening of the frontline, and underlined that with a gorgeous winning goal in injury time, spinning and powering an effort into the roof of the net.
Nicolas Jackson (4/10):
Not brave enough to gamble on balls into the box and limited his own threat as a result. Subbed. He doesn't really have the strength or ability to lead this Chelsea line.
AFPSubs & Manager
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Replaced James. Played fine, with Chelsea beginning to dominate territory, but took a knock and needed substituting himself.
Jadon Sancho (5/10):
On for Madueke at half-time. Struggled somewhat, much like the man he replaced.
Tyrique George (8/10):
Replaced Jackson at 1-0 with 10 minutes left. Scored the equaliser with a great effort. An electric performance; the teenager has an immensely bright future.
Tosin Adarabioyo (N/A):
Replaced Gusto, who appeared to sustain an injury.
Enzo Maresca (6/10):
This was a rough performance but his decision to introduce George proved inspired. Chelsea have so much work to do, though, as they are immensely fortunate to have completed their comeback here. They remain in the Champions League race… just.
