The Blues fell to their west London rivals for the first time in over forty years
Enzo Maresca's Chelsea side's title chances took a major blow on Boxing Day
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By KIERAN GILL
Published: 12:26 EST, 26 December 2024 | Updated: 12:26 EST, 26 December 2024
Fulham snatched victory from west London rivals Chelsea with a smash-and-grab 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.
The Blues have made their Fulham Road home a fortress to their nearest neighbours, who had failed to win at the ground since 1979.
In the first-half, surprise title-contenders Chelsea looked to be setting up a routine victory, with Cole Palmer supplying the initial lead courtsey of a superb individual goal in the 16th minute.
But as the hosts failed to build on their lead, Fulham grew in stature, with Harry Wilson finding the equaliser eight minutes before the end of normal time.
With both sides chasing a lead, it was the visitors who ended on top thanks to Rodrigo Muniz's latest of winners five minutes into extra time.
But who managed to distinguish themselves on a difficult day for Enzo Maresca's men? And who should have done more to avert disaster?
Chelsea lost to west London rivals Fulham for the first time in over 45 years on Boxing Day
Marc Cucurella came close to helping get Chelsea over the line but couldn't find the winner
The Blues' budding title aspirations may have faltered before they really began in 2024-25
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1)
Robert Sanchez – 6
Some of the saves made by Sanchez were spectacular as it looked like he was inspiring Chelsea towards victory. Sadly, all that hard work was undone in the 82nd and 95th minutes.
Malo Gusto – 5.5
Helped by Neto to avoid Alex Iwobi and Antonee Robinson doubling up on him down this flank. Knackering afternoon for Gusto as Fulham were relentless in their targeting of his side.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 5
Booed by Fulham fans whenever he had the ball, having left them in the summer to join Chelsea on a free, and those away fans loved seeing Harry Wilson ghost in behind him to equalise.
Levi Colwill – 5.5
Assisted Palmer for the opener. Denied a goal for himself by the assistant’s flag. But Chelsea’s defending in stoppage time was so clumsy as they lost for the first time since October, Rodrigo Muniz scoring the killer goal.
Robert Sanchez has been an uneven player for Chelsea but made some impressive saves
Levi Colwill (centre) found the back of the net but saw his would-be winner chalked off by VAR
Marc Cucurella – 5
Should have doubled Chelsea’s lead but his header was close enough to Bernd Leno that Fulham’s goalkeeper could produce his reactionary save. Coulda, woulda, shoulda.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
His crossed free-kick should have resulted in an assist, but Cucurella did not get the direction on his header. Denied a goal for himself in the second half by the fingertips of Leno.
Moises Caicedo – 6
With Fernandez pushing up into advanced positions, Caicedo is left with so much responsibility in defensive midfield, and there were times when you sensed he needed more help.
Pedro Neto – 5.5
There were more rolls than a bakery as Neto tried to convince the referee that he had been fouled immediately before Fulham’s leveller. Didn’t work. Neto worked hard defensively otherwise.
Pedro Neto worked hard defensively but couldn't find the strike to break the deadlock
Moises Caicedo has been a vital presence in midfield for Chelsea this term but needed help
Cole Palmer contributed a sumptuous individual goal in the first-half to hand the Blues the upper hand
Cole Palmer – 6.5
Just the coolest finish you will see as Palmer practically passed the ball into the bottom corner after receiving it on the half-turn and gliding past two Fulham players.
Jadon Sancho – 5.5
Big chance to bag the winner win the closing stages but Leno was there again. Not Sancho’s greatest game creatively as Chelsea lacked a spark in the final third.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Won several free-kicks in the final third, though Chelsea took none of those set-piece opportunities. Looked angry with himself after being replaced by Nkunku.
Substitutions
Christopher Nkunku (for Jackson, 73) – 5
Did not do enough with the time he had to show why he deserves more minutes.
Nicolas Jackson once again failed to find the back of the net and boost his strong scoring tally
Christopher Nkunku was brought on for Jackson but failed to convince why he should be handing a starting berth
Enzo Maresca will be disappointed by the result but has been keen to keep expectations low
Manager
Enzo Maresca – 5.5
Chelsea took the lead, but then contrived to throw it away from the 82nd minute onward. Sore one for Maresca, this. At least we may stop asking him about the title race. For now, anyway.
Fulham (5-4-1): Leno 8; Castagne 7, Diop 7, Andersen 7, Bassey 7.5, Robinson 7.5; Traore 7 (Wilson 67, 7), Pereira 6.5 (Cairney 73, 6), Lukic 6.5, Iwobi 7 (Sessegnon 90); Jimenez 6.5 (Muniz 74, 7)
Subs (not used): Benda, Vinicius, Cuenca, King, Godo
Manager: Marco Silva 7.5
FulhamChelsea