- Chelsea wins third consecutive game
- Cole Palmer shines for Chelsea
- Fulham struggles, loses fifth away
Chelsea could potentially be prepared to challenge for the Premier League championship, and Mauricio Pochettino is enthusiastic about promoting this notion. This was the third consecutive victory in the competition, a response to the 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday and the subsequent criticism.
However, Pochettino must be aware that his squad continues to exhibit signs of fragility and a lack of cohesion, particularly in crucial areas. They are doing just enough when they succeed at present, subjecting their supporters to considerable strain and leaving them with numerous inquiries. Once more, Chelsea was appreciative of the prowess of Cole Palmer, their star player despite an inconsistent season, in this instance.
Palmer was the sole bright spot in a forgettable match that resulted in Fulham suffering its fifth consecutive away league loss; his close control and skill, as well as his discerning eye for a pass, were particularly impressive. Just before halftime, when the opportunity presented itself following a foul by Issa Diop on Raheem Sterling, he dutifully converted his fifth of five penalty kicks since his transfer from Manchester City last summer. He has contributed to nine goals and seven assists for his new club.
Fulham’s Struggles and Controversial Red
There were numerous factors that contributed to Fulham’s dismal away form. There are only two clubs in the division that have a worse away record, and they have been winless in this location since 1979. Since 2011, they have failed to register a goal in this location.
Marco Silva was enraged that a red card issued to Malo Gusto, a Chelsea right-back, in the 38th minute for extending into a challenge on Willian without getting near the ball, did not alter the course of the game.
Gusto collided with the former Chelsea winger’s knee with his studs, and after referee Anthony Taylor issued a yellow card, it appeared that the video assistant referee should award an upgrade. Conversely, they upheld Taylor’s decision. Gusto, who faced termination in September for a comparable infraction against Aston Villa, avoided punishment. Throughout the entirety of the piece, Fulham failed to exert sufficient control over the elements within their possession.
Initially, the atmosphere in the home seats was calm, with the majority of the commotion emanating from the travelling support. This appeared to correspond with the general sense of confusion surrounding this Chelsea team. Pochettino, until the penalty, visibly agitated, gestured to his assistants with evident aggravation and, at one point, howled in rage.
Chelsea’s Halftime Lead Struggle
Chelsea was in the lead at halftime despite not deserving it, but Palmer contributed to that by providing one of the few invaluable instances of incision. Diop made a clumsy challenge on the winger after he pinged a nice pass up the inside-right channel to Sterling, who had jinked inside. Sterling felt the impact on his trailing leg, and Palmer was able to perform his trembling goal celebration shortly thereafter following a ruthless conversion.
Chelsea strained upward. Although they dominated the first half, they did not contribute much in the attacking third. The Fulham supporters applauded as their team’s players charged into challenges, but Chelsea’s performance was tedious and predictable; there was far too much back-and-forth movement.
An early shot by Enzo Fernández was blocked, and Conor Gallagher missed the target after a quick pass by Palmer. However, Armando Broja missed Chelsea’s only clean opportunity before the penalty when Fernández crossed the ball.
Concerning offense, Fulham was abysmal; they were far too feeble. Axel Disasi’s solitary pass of a cross in the 44th minute, which caused a brief panic in the Chelsea six-yard box and failed to find a Fulham player in close proximity to exploit, said everything. After a perilous cross by Antonee Robinson, Andreas Pereira made a routine save from Djordjie Petrovic, and Harry Wilson made an even better one at the near post.
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Carabao Cup Impact and Effort
The Carabao Cup had framed the match, with Chelsea resentful of Middlesbrough’s defeat and Fulham considerably more optimistic as a result. The possibility of a first-ever west London derby cup final continues to exist.
Putting Palmer aside, Chelsea exerted further effort in the second half. When Broja requested an excessive number of touches or a checkback, his supporters grumbled; they required something more direct.
At 53 minutes, despite appearing offside, Sterling headed against the post, and Levi Colwill would lift wastefully high. Could Fulham create a late-night stinger? In the 73rd minute, Raúl Jiménez was presented with a significant opportunity following a low cross by Pereira and a mistake by Fernández; however, his shot was too close to Petrovic. Chelsea finished with apprehension due to Fulham’s heavy forward burden and Willian’s missed free-kick on the periphery.
