Chelsea 1-0 Fulham: Cole Palmer penalty seals valuable Premier League win for Blues over west London rivals
/dnl.tntsports.co.uk/sd/img/placeholder/tnt_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 13/01/2024 at 15:15 GMT
Chelsea made it three Premier League wins in row for the first time this season following a 1-0 win over west London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge. The Blues' struggle to break down their opponents in a tight first half until Raheem Sterling was unended in the penalty area on the stroke of half time giving Cole Palmer the chance to score what would go on to be the winner.
'So cool and chilled under pressure' - Palmer fires Chelsea in front from the spot
Video credit: TNT Sports
Cole Palmer starred again as Chelsea secured the West London derby bragging rights with a 1-0 victory over Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
The hosts were quick out of the traps with Armando Broja flashing an early header wide. Fulham improved and went close through Harry Wilson before a lovely piece of skill from Raheem Sterling led to a penalty that Palmer converted in first-half stoppage time.
Sterling then hit the post with a free header and Palmer orchestrated a succession of openings in the second period as the hosts pushed for a second goal.
Fulham responded with Raul Jimenez having a low strike well saved but The Cottagers could not find the goal to earn a share of the spoils.
The result sees Chelsea make it three league wins on the spin and moves them up to eighth spot ahead of the rest of the weekend’s action.
Fulham, who have now lost five league away games in a row, are 13th.
Next up, Chelsea host Middlesbrough in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final on Tuesday January 23.Fulham are at home to Liverpool in the same competition 24 hours later.
Talking Point – Palmer assumes the responsibility as Chelsea grind out the win
At times this wasn’t pretty, but Chelsea have played better on occasions this season and failed to take the points.
The Blues had chances to put the game to bed but then showed real desire to fend off Fulham’s late onslaught to keep their Premier League momentum heading in the right direction.
Mauricio Pochettino and Co have come in for heavy criticism for an inconsistent 2023-24 so far, but this was a strong response from the midweek League Cup loss at Middlesbrough and they remain in the hunt to reach another cup final with injured players returning to help boost their push up the table in the second part of the campaign.
Player of the match
Cole Palmer (Chelsea). The 21-year-old has now netted nine goals in 17 league matches for The Blues this season and continues to look like one of the signings of the season. His steely focus was on show with his penalty while his vision and skill were a highlight of an impressive second half showing.
Player Ratings
CHELSEA: Petrovic 7, Gusto 7, Disasi 7, Silva 7, Colwill 7, Caicedo 6, Fernandez 8, Palmer 9*, Gallagher 8, Sterling 8, Broja 6. Subs: Madueke 6, Chilwell 6, Gilchrist n/a, Chukwuemeka n/a.
FULHAM: Leno 7, Tete 8, Tosin 8, Diop 6, Robinson 7, Palhinha 7, Pereira 7, Cairney 7, Willian 6, Wilson 6, Jimenez 6. Subs: Castagne 6, De Cordova-Reid 6, Lukic n/a, Muniz n/a.
Match Highlights
28’ – FULHAM CHANCE! Wilson arrives at the far post to try and steer a first-time shot beyond Petrovic from Robinson's excellent low cross, but Petrovic reacts smartly on his line to somehow divert the ball to safety.
45+4’ – GOAL! – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham: (Palmer). Palmer sends Leno the wrong way with a clinical, low spot kick after Diop brought down Sterling.
53’ – CHELSEA CHANCE! Sterling guides a free header from Fernandez's pinpoint cross against the post with Gusto rifling the rebound wildly off target from a tight angle.
84’ – CHELSEA CHANCE! Gallagher smacks the far post with a curving 15-yard effort. So close for Chelsea.
Key Stats
Share this article
Related Topics
