Fulham stunned Chelsea as they won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day thanks to a dramatic late comeback.
MORE — Enzo Maresca reaction on defeat
This was also Fulham’s first-ever Premier League win at Chelsea, and their first top-flight win at Stamford Bridge since 1964.
WATCH — Watch full replay
Cole Palmer put Chelsea ahead in the first half but Bernd Leno kept Fulham in it and substitute Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz both scored late on, including a winner in the 95th minute, to secure a famous win for Fulham.
With the win Fulham move on to 28 points, while Chelsea remain on 35 points and have handed Liverpool the chance to extend their lead atop the table.
Chelsea’s title race running out of steam
Even though they were ahead early and for most of the game, Chelsea never had real control. After their disappointing draw at Everton last weekend, they’ve now dropped four points from games they were expected to win in the last two. This festive period was supposed to be when Chelsea kicked on and overtook Liverpool in the Premier League title race. Instead the opposite has happened. Why? Well, Chelsea just looked a little predictable and were suspect on the counter defensively. Fulham’s 3-4-2-1 formation caused big problems with Robinson and Castagne having fine games as wing-backs and Chelsea’s midfield missed Lavia breaking up play. It was too easy for Fulham to launch attacks out wide and fill the box and that is the next step for Chelsea. They have to improve defensively and sniff out the danger quicker as they’ve been giving up big chances all season. Perhaps that is the reason why Enzo Maresca has been so downbeat on their title chances when asked about it in recent weeks. Now, their title chances look extremely low. But they’re still way ahead of where we thought they would be this season. This result, and performance, was a reality check for Chelsea.
Chelsea vs Fulham player ratings (via FotMob.com)
What’s next?
Chelsea head to Ipswich on Monday, December 30. Fulham host Bournemouth on Sunday, December 29.
How to watch Chelsea vs Fulham live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Thursday (December 26)
Venue: Stamford Bridge — London
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Watch live on Peacock
Chelsea vs Fulham score: 1-2
Palmer 16'; Wilson 82', Muniz 95'
Chelsea vs Fulham live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Leno denies Nkunku late on
What a save from Leno at the back post to deny Nkunku.
Muniz surely wins it late on — Chelsea 1-2 Fulham
Absolute scenes in the away end as Fulham turn it around late on. Muniz finishes and their away fans go wild.
Fulham grab their deserved equalizer! — Chelsea 1-1 Fulham
That is what Fulham deserve. Robinson’s cross into the box is nodded towards goal by Castagne and Wilson is there to head home. Chelsea switched off and Fulham have been the better team in the second half and they deserve that equalizer.
Robinson denied by Sanchez
Fulham should be level! Traore crosses for Robinson but his first touch is heavy and Sanchez gets out to save.
Fulham having a real go now
Robinson is set free down the left and his cross is cleared, then Iwobi goes close. Chelsea have been the better team but Fulham are still in this.
Superb save from Leno, then Colwill scores but he’s offside
The ball finds Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the box and his shot is flying towards the corner but Bernd Leno makes a fine save with his top hand to push it out for a corner. Colwill scores after the initial corner was cleared, but he was just offside as Palmer’s brilliant cross comes in.
Half time: Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
Cole Palmer’s goal is the difference and he is causing all kinds of issues. Fulham can’t handle him but they’re still in the game after Chelsea failed to convert a couple of big chances.
Cucurella denied from close range
A cross into the box finds Cucurella and his diving header is on target but Bernd Leno saves from close range and Fulham scramble it clear.
Palmer is running the show but Fulham still carrying a threat
Cole Palmer is popping up in dangerous areas and Chelsea are pressing high as they search for a crucial second goal. But Fulham are still looking dangerous on the break and have whipped in some dangerous crosses.
Cole Palmer slots home a beauty with a calm finish — Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
That is beautiful from Cole Palmer. He shifts the ball past the Fulham defenders and slots home a low shot so calmly. Chelsea lead.
Good crosses at both ends early
At one end Sancho whips in a cross that Neto can’t quite get on the end of. At the other end Robinson’s cross almost finds Jimenez.
Chelsea lineup
Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Fulham lineup
Leno; Diop, Andersen, Bassey; Castagne, Lukic, Pereira, Robinson; Iwobi, Jimenez, Traore
Chelsea team news, focus
Chelsea’s defensive injuries have continued with Colwill, Cucurella, Gusto and Tosin all set to start. Lavia is a doubt, so Caicedo and Fernandez could start in the deeper roles with four of Nkunku, Felix, Neto, Palmer, Jackson, Madueke and Sancho starting ahead of them.
OUT: Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension), Marc Cucurella (suspension), Reece James (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (hamstring), Benoit Badiashile (undisclosed), Omari Kellyman (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Romeo Lavia (undisclosed)
Fulham team news, focus
The Cottagers have some injury problems piling up, especially in midfield. Lukic, Smith Rowe and Berge are all struggling but Pereira should come straight back in. Jimenez and Traore could start to freshen up their attack.
OUT: Andreas Pereira (suspension), Harrison Reed (knee), Reiss Nelson (hamstring). Kenny Tete (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Emile Smith Rowe (leg), Sasa Lukic (shoulder), Sander Berge (ankle)
Chelsea vs Fulham prediction
This feels like it will be a very entertaining game with both teams better when pressing high. Chelsea’s extra quality in attack should make the difference in a thriller. Chelsea 4-2 Fulham.
Chelsea vs Fulham preview
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea were held at Everton on Sunday in a 0-0 draw, with the Blues failing to break down the Toffees. Their attacking talents have rarely faltered this season so that result seemed more like a blip than anything else. Cole Palmer and Co. are still exceeding expectations and Chelsea are well in the title race. Even if Maresca says they aren’t.
Fulham are in the top four hunt, which is remarkable, but Marco Silva’s side dropped two points on Sunday as they drew 0-0 at home to Southampton. Alex Iwobi, Harry Wilson and Adama Traore all came close but Fulham just didn’t have the zip and aggression they’ve shown for most of this season. Still, they’re having a fine campaign and are right in the European hunt.
