A successful penalty kick from 21-year-old midfielder Cole Palmer helped Chelsea beat Fulham 1-0 in the 21st round of the Premier League.
This was Chelsea's fourth consecutive home win in all competitions, helping them escape their familiar 10th place. Mauricio Pochettino's side overtook Newcastle and Man Utd to climb to eighth place with 31 points, nine points behind the top four.
Palmer took the penalty and scored in injury time of the first half. Photo: Reuters
Chelsea dominated for most of the match, controlling 57% of the possession and launching relentless attacks. However, as usual, the Stamford Bridge side struggled with finishing. They had 17 shots, but only three were on target. Chelsea also hit the post twice.
Unable to extend their lead, Pochettino's side repeatedly gave their fans scares. In fact, despite being outplayed, Fulham had 14 shots on goal, more than Chelsea (four). If it weren't for the brilliance of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who made a total of four saves, the home team would likely have suffered a defeat.
Chelsea started the match with their usual enthusiastic attacking style, repeatedly sending the ball into the Fulham penalty area and creating dangerous spaces. However, shots from Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, and Armando Broja were all inaccurate. Conversely, Fulham's rare attacking move in the 27th minute created the best chance of the first half. Unfortunately for the visitors, Harry Wilson's close-range shot was blocked by Petrovic.
A clash between Moise Caicedo and Andreas Pereira. Photo: Reuters
The turning point of the match came in injury time. Raheem Sterling was fouled by Issa Diop inside the penalty area. Palmer deceived Bernd Leno from the penalty spot, giving the home side the lead. After scoring, he crossed his arms over his shoulders, celebrating with his teammates. This was Palmer's ninth Premier League goal of the season, including five penalties. Having moved from Man City in the final minutes of the summer transfer window, the 21-year-old midfielder quickly proved he is Chelsea's most dangerous attacking player.
At the start of the second half, the Stamford Bridge crowd erupted when Sterling headed the ball against the post after a cross from Fernandez. However, the former Man City player was offside in that situation. Having been in good shape, Pochettino surprisingly substituted Broja and moved Palmer up to play as a false number 9. This tactic reduced Chelsea's attacking opportunities, causing them to lose control of the game for the remainder of the match.
Fernandez's disastrous slip in the 73rd minute nearly cost the home team dearly. However, Petrovic made a superb diving save to deny Raul Jimenez's low shot. Then, in the 83rd minute, it was Chelsea's turn to hold their heads in disbelief as Gallagher's skillful outside-of-the-foot volley hit the post.
Sterling's header hit the post early in the second half. Photo: Reuters
One of the most electrifying moments at Stamford Bridge came when defender Ben Chilwell was substituted in. The England international had been sidelined for four months due to injury. He was moved up to winger and created a few dangerous dribbles. Chelsea's left-back position was retained by Levi Colwill, who had an outstanding performance in the match.
This victory is a good springboard for Chelsea ahead of their League Cup semi-final second leg against Middlesbrough on January 23rd. They lost the first leg 0-1 away from home. Chelsea will then face Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round. Fulham remain in 13th place in the Premier League table.
Quang Huy
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