LONDON – Deep into stoppage time, Chelsea were frantically defending a one-goal lead with five in defense and no visible presence in attack against a team that had not won at Stamford Bridge since 1979. These are desperate days for coach Mauricio Pochettino and his team. His youthful side. Holding on to a 1-0 win over Fulham may seem like a fall from grace compared to the club’s golden days, but Pochettino must believe the little acorns will grow into mighty acorns.
Cole Palmer remains Chelsea’s biggest individual hope. The 21-year-old midfielder’s penalty kick in stoppage time at the end of the first half showed his composure under pressure. This culminated in an impressive personal display as he was one of the only players to threaten to lift the game out of the meandering mediocrity it had mostly been in, while displaying a strong determination to bounce back from a slew of missed chances in the EFL Cup semi-final on Tuesday first. -Defeat against Middlesbrough.
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Chelsea, signed in the summer for £40m from Manchester City, has 18 goal contributions (11 goals and 7 assists) in all competitions this season, the third highest tally for a player aged 21 or under across the five leagues. Big in Europe – Only Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham (now 22) and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz (20) have had a greater impact.
The win over Fulham means Chelsea have now won three Premier League matches for the first time since October 2022. Not that Stamford Bridge looks like the old fortress just yet. There was a palpable chill in the air – after the cold January weather in London – as Chelsea’s supporters were on edge throughout, complaining about the lack of cutting-edge attacking ability, misplaced passes and the precarious nature of their progression.
The angry scenes in which some traveling Chelsea fans shouted at their players against Middlesbrough should have been a warning sign for Pochettino. A test of patience awaits as the manager tries to shape the team, and the fans here need something to get behind.
In addition to Palmer’s class, Connor Gallagher’s tireless endeavors are one of those characteristics. And he almost capped off another lively display with a stunning goal, hitting Bernd Leno’s right-hand post with a brilliant shot off the outside of his right foot from the edge of the penalty area.
This could have been tough on Fulham, who were involved throughout the match but lacked the quality to hurt their opponents. They have now won just one of their last 24 league meetings with Chelsea.
Their task could have been made much easier if Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto had been sent off for a late challenge on Willian in the 39th minute. Referee Anthony Taylor showed a yellow card and VAR official Michael Salisbury ruled that Gusto’s challenge was neither dangerous nor reckless and therefore no offense. He deserves more punishment.
Fulham coach Marco Silva said: “We must talk about the red card that Gusto received. It was clear.” “It’s hard to see how things aren’t consistent at the level we’re at. This is the Premier League. In 10 of those moments, nine times it was a red card. It’s a clear red card for me. The VAR was checked and this time they didn’t give it.” [it].
“I didn’t speak to the referees. I don’t want to say what the fourth official said. He has the same opinion as me, but he has no right to say. It’s up to VAR to decide.” “A normal decision by the referee, but help must come from the video assistant referee.”
Pochettino said in response: “If I were put in his place, I would tell you it was a red card. The behavior, they thought it was a yellow card. Good for us.”
An equally pivotal moment came just a few minutes later. Palmer’s clever reverse pass found Raheem Sterling inside the box. Sterling came back in and Issa Diop stuck his leg out in hope rather than expectation, connecting with the England winger to bring him down. It was Chelsea’s eighth penalty kick of the season, three of which Sterling has won, both highs in the Premier League.
Although Fulham showed signs of fatigue from the battle in their midweek EFL Cup semi-final against Liverpool, Chelsea were unable to eliminate their opponents. Blues goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic made good saves from Harry Wilson in the first half, and again from Raul Jimenez in the second. Then left-back Ben Chilwell made his first appearance for Chelsea since September 27 after a hamstring injury, which was another small step in the right direction along with a fourth successive home win in all competitions.
“If you go back over the past months, we have been one of the best teams and in the Premier League, we have won three games in a row here, four at Stamford Bridge. It is important for the team the way we are and the way we work.” “They are building this process,” Pochettino said. “It is important to feel confident, confident and accepting of criticism.”
At one point, it seemed like this game would be unforgettable A bizarre PR stunt in which seven men in identical suits stood at intervals During the match as part of a marketing campaign to promote a film that will be released next month with the participation of production company Todd Buhle. It all happened just a few yards from Pochettino’s hideout.
“I was aware of that,” Pochettino said. “It didn’t affect the scene. For me, that’s welcome. It’s part of the scene. It didn’t affect the pros, the players or us doing our job. It was good for the fans to see our team being promoted. ‘Argylle’ looks very good.” very good. Maybe they’ll invite me to the premiere.”
A movie would do well to replicate the tension on display here.
