Chelsea maintained their unbeaten start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, with a 2-0 win over local rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
Enzo Maresca’s side now sit on seven points in England’s top-flight, adding to their 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace and 5-1 rout against West Ham United last weekend.
It was a superb display from the Blues on home soil, taking control of the game and limiting Marco Silva’s side to just three shots on target in the 90-minute contest.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca before the start of the second half
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca before the start of the second half
The game wasn’t all positive for the Italian, with striker Liam Delap limping off with a hamstring injury within the opening quarter of an hour - which is set to rule the Englishman out for eight weeks.
Such a display allowed numerous players to thrive once again, standing their claim for a regular starting role in the club’s hunt for Premier League success come the end of May.
How Chelsea’s win over Fulham played out
Chelsea were fortunate not to find themselves one goal down early in the clash at the Bridge, with Josh King putting the visitors ahead - but the goal was ruled out after Rodrigo Muniz was adjudged to have committed a foul in the build-up.
However, the Blues took the lead just minutes before the break, after Enzo Fernández’s corner was nodded into the far corner by summer addition Joao Pedro.
enzo-pedro-chelsea
Maresca’s side held a one-goal lead going into the break, which quickly became two in the second half after yet another VAR intervention from Michael Salisbury.
A cross from Trevoh Chalobah was blocked by the arm of Ryan Sessegnon, resulting in a penalty being awarded after referee Rob Jones was sent to the monitor.
Captain Enzo tucked home the subsequent spot kick, completing the scoring and securing a second league win in the three outings so far in 2025/26.
Alongside Enzo and Pedro, one other Blues player hugely impressed during the triumph, now being more than deserving of a consistent run within the starting eleven.
The Chelsea star who’s now as undroppable as Enzo & Pedro
Given the huge volume of signings at Chelsea over the past couple of years, it’s been tricky for Maresca to find a settled starting eleven that could lead his side to success.
maresca-chelsea-premier-league
Hundreds of millions of pounds have already been spent over recent campaigns, including over £200m this window - with today’s goalscorer Pedro just one of the additions made by the hierarchy.
However, the Blues have also been the home to one of the best academies in the country over recent years, often developing talents who can make an impact in the first-team.
Centre-back Chalobah is just one player who has developed through such a system, now being a key member of Maresca’s side - despite looking certain to depart 12 months ago.
He started the game against the Cottagers this afternoon, having a game to remember and helping the side keep a clean sheet on their way to victory.
trevoh-chalobah-chelsea
The centre-back made three tackles and won 11 duels - with both tallies the highest of any player on the pitch - offering a dominant presence out of possession.
However, in possession, the 26-year-old also starred, recording 80 touches and completing 90% of the passes he attempted - with five of his efforts going into the final third.
Chalobah stats vs Fulham
Statistics (per 90)
Minutes played
Touches
Pass accuracy
Duels won
Tackles won
Passes into the final third
Interceptions made
Recoveries made
Stats via FotMob
Such a showing has certainly cemented his place within Maresca’s starting eleven, subsequently being able to form a superb partnership at the heart of the backline with Tosin.
The fact that he’s been able to keep out new signing Jorel Hato shows the quality the academy graduate possesses - with Maresca needing to stand by him in the months ahead.