LONDON, Jan 13 — Cole Palmer fired Chelsea to a 1-0 win in opposition to west London rivals Fulham on Saturday because the inconsistent Blues bounced again from their League Cup embarrassment at Middlesbrough.
Palmer transformed a penalty late within the first half at Stamford Bridge to erase the bitter style from Chelsea’s shock 1-0 loss in opposition to second-tier Middlesbrough within the semi-final first leg on Tuesday.
That League Cup calamity was simply the most recent disappointment in a troubled season for Mauricio Pochettino’s facet.
Chelsea had been hardly far more dynamic in opposition to Fulham, however Pochettino will take coronary heart from the best way they floor out a 3rd successive Premier League victory.
After a 10-day winter break, the Blues may have an opportunity to overturn the League Cup deficit after they return to motion in opposition to Middlesbrough within the second leg on January 23.
Chelsea are nonetheless a piece in progress in Pochettino’s first season, together with his resolution to go along with a largely youthful staff inevitably producing highs and lows.
In the circumstances, Fulham had been splendid opponents for Chelsea to lift the gloom, given they’re with out a win on the Bridge since 1979.
The golf equipment are separated by simply two miles in west London, however they’ve historically been mild years aside when it comes to success on the pitch.
Chelsea’s current struggles had allowed Fulham to dream of a uncommon victory on enemy turf and there was audible frustration amongst Blues followers as quickly as passes began to go astray from their spluttering staff.
That angst transmitted to the pitch as Chelsea laboured to set up any rhythm, with Conor Gallagher’s wayward strike from distance epitomising their struggles.
Chelsea’s English midfielder #20 Cole Palmer (left) vies with Fulham’s Brazilian midfielder #20 Willian in the course of the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge in London on January 13, 2024. — eNM pic
Palmer retains cool
Nicolas Jackson’s absence on Senegal responsibility on the Africa Cup of Nations and Christopher Nkunku’s newest harm have diminished Pochettino’s attacking choices.
Armando Broja was deputising for Jackson, however he wasted a great probability when he headed vast from Enzo Fernandez’s cross.
Looking to capitalise on Chelsea’s woes, Fulham launched an incisive break that ended with Harry Wilson’s close-range effort forcing a great save from Djordje Petrovic.
When one other Chelsea assault petered out, Fulham followers mocked the hosts’ expensively assembled facet with chants of “what a waste of cash”.
Despite their torpid show, Chelsea rallied to take the lead in first-half stoppage time.
Issa Diop conceded a penalty with a rash problem on Raheem Sterling and Palmer stepped up to smash the spot-kick previous Bernd Leno.
It was the 21-year-old’s nerveless fifth profitable penalty for Chelsea confirmed why team-mates have nicknamed him ‘Cold Palmer’.
With 9 objectives since signing from Manchester City in September, Palmer has been one of many few shiny spots in Chelsea’s troubled marketing campaign.
Driving ahead with intent, Palmer curled simply vast early within the second half.
Chelsea misplaced their method once more because the half wore on and Fulham striker Raul Jimenez headed over earlier than testing Petrovic with a harmful low strike.
Gallagher hit the woodwork with a intelligent effort utilizing the surface of his foot, however Fulham completed strongly and just some last-ditch defending stopped the Blues struggling recent indignity.
With Chelsea nearly holding on, there was excellent news within the closing minutes when England left-back Ben Chilwell made his return from 4 months out with a hamstring harm. — eNM
