Chelsea stretched their unbeaten start to the Premier League season after a 2-0 victory over Fulham at Stamford Bridge, a result that also highlights just how far Enzo Maresca’s side have come under his watch. Softfootball understands the win makes it just one defeat in Chelsea’s last 12 league outings, a record that underlines their growing consistency. Softfootball reports
It was not all smooth sailing, though. As Chelsea’s official website noted, the Blues were sluggish in the first half and struggled to find rhythm against a well-drilled Fulham side. João Pedro and Liam Delap had half-chances early on, but Delap’s hamstring injury disrupted Chelsea’s attacking flow.
Fulham thought they had drawn first blood midway through the half when Josh King slotted home what looked like his maiden Premier League goal. But much to Marco Silva’s fury, VAR ruled it out for a foul in the buildup. Chelsea finally found a way through before the break when Pedro nodded in Enzo Fernández’s corner, giving the hosts a lead that, truthfully, felt a little harsh on Fulham.
Chelsea took to their official X handle to celebrate the ruling out of Fulham’s goal by the VAR
After the restart, Chelsea quickly made the game safer. Chalobah’s cross clipped Ryan Sessegnon’s raised arm, and after a lengthy VAR check, the referee awarded a penalty. Fernández coolly converted from the spot to double the advantage.
Softfootball understands that Fulham, already feeling hard done by, looked deflated after that decision and struggled to respond. Pedro could have scored his second of the game when he found himself through on goal, but hesitated, allowing Bernd Leno to cut out the chance.
Chelsea would be happy with the scoreline, which is more than enough to secure bragging rights in this London derby and, at least temporarily, take them to the top of the Premier League table. Fulham, meanwhile, are still chasing their first win of the season, though this was also their first defeat in all competitions this season.
Marco Silva will no doubt feel his side deserved better especially after the VAR drama , but for Chelsea and their fans, the focus remains on momentum and the added excitement of new signing Alejandro Garnacho, who was in the stands watching his future teammates get the job done.
