Chelsea were second in the Premier League going into Christmas last season, before a heartbreaking loss to Fulham killed their momentum stone dead.
The Blues were behind only Liverpool, and with each passing week, a title charge looked possible.
While they’re not quite in the same position of strength this campaign, Chelsea’s massive game against on Boxing Day could have similarly wide-reaching implications.
While it was just one loss, the manner in which Fulham beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season set the tone for the steady fall-off that followed in the weeks after.
Rodrigo Muniz scores for Fulham against Chelsea
Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea lost against Fulham at the death on Boxing Day
While everyone watching on at Stamford Bridge last season would have been feeling merry after the festive celebrations, that good vibe wouldn’t make it to the end of the year.
Cole Palmer put the Blues ahead early in proceedings, but late heroics from Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz were enough that Fulham handed Chelsea a shock defeat right at the death.
It was a charged environment as you would expect from a London derby, and it was the beginning of a run that saw Chelsea slip down the standings, winning just one of their next five Premier League games.
It coincided with Palmer’s mid-season slump, and felt like a turning point in the wrong direction for the Blues.
This season’s Boxing Day clash against Villa even more crucial
After a short break, Chelsea face Aston Villa on Boxing Day in a battle between third and fourth.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, two of England’s best, are set to face off in a game that could have implications on their World Cup experience next summer.
Two of England’s brightest young stars going head-to-head 🙌
Thoughts on Morgan Rogers this season?
Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer during Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
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More importantly, it’s a chance for Chelsea to catch up with the team ahead of them.
Unlike last season’s devastating loss to Fulham, Enzo Maresca will be hoping for a strong display and to end the year on a winning note.
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