EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Fulham 0-1 Chelsea: Chelsea Player Ratings

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Chelsea finally got a win to get them back on track as they defeated Fulham at Craven Cottage. They defeated the hosts 1-0 in a closely contested match. The Blues got the upper hand over their opponent after they were down to 10-men just before the end of the first half.

The match was completely dominated by Chelsea. They were enjoying plenty of possessions and had their fair chances to take the lead. Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola exhibited a brilliant performance that kept Chelsea frustrated. But, Antonee Robinson’s red card proved to be the turning point of the match.

He attempted to win back the ball with a slide tackle, but completely missed the ball and his tackle took out Azpilicueta. He was given a straight red. Later in the second half, Lampard looked to grab the opportunity and introduced more attacking force, which was eventually rewarded with 12 minutes left to play. Mason Mount hit a volley just inside the edge of the box which was enough for them to grab the win.

This was a decisive match for Frank Lampard and the boys. They were on a winless streak and hadn’t won any of their previous 3 matches. Their first win post-Christmas will be a real boost for them as they have closed the gap to the top-4 to 3 points. They are 7th in the Premier League with 29 points from 18 games.

CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS AGAINST FULHAM:

EDOUARD MENDY – 5/10

Hardly had any saves to be made. He will be happy to get a clean sheet after almost a month. He had almost made an error that could have proven costly when he rushed to collect the ball.

BEN CHILWELL – 7/10

His contribution to the game was the assist he provided to Mason Mount. With that assist, he now has 4 to his name. He was the only attacking option from the back.

ANTONIO RUDIGER – 6/10

There was nothing to do for the Chelsea defence and there was hardly any attacking threats from the opposition. But he was good and involved in a few offensive setups.

THIAGO SILVA – 6/10

Same as Rudiger because he was hardly troubled. Whereas his defensive partner went offensive, he remained as the last line of defence.

AZPILICUETA – 6.5/10

The captain took over the right-back position as Reece James was absent. He had brilliant defensive displays but was not able to provide the attacking support from the right flank. Chelsea skipper was the victim of the tackle that saw Fulham left-back Robinson get a red.

MATTEO KOVACIC – 6/10

Could not do his best as there were hardly any threats from the opposition. Along with that, he was not able to trouble The Cottager’s defence. he held onto his position and didn’t make any errors.

JORGINHO – 6/10

Again, the same thing. He was defensively providing support on various occasions. But, the game needed the offensive support, which he was not able to provide. He was replaced by Tammy Abraham.

MASON MOUNT – 8/10

The player who has been delivering every time Lampard’s job is in danger. He was threatening in the attack and was eventually rewarded. His strike late in the game was the only goal of the match.

CHRISTIAN PULISIC – 8/10 (MOTM)

The American star has established himself well as the rightful Eden Hazard replacement. He was the best on the pitch. Left, right and middle, he was trying to pierce the adamant defence from every position.

OLIVER GIROUD – 6/10

He was not his best self and it was clearly visible. The player who used to score wonder goals somehow missed an open chance. If it was not flagged offside, it would have been embarrassing. Timo Werner replaced him in the 75th minute.

HAKIM ZIYECH – 7/10

Nothing special was created by him. He tried his best to penetrate the defence. He was replaced by Callum Hudson-Odoi.

SUBSTUTUTES:

TAMMY ABRAHAM – 6/10

He came in for Jorginho. Whereas the latter was a defensive one, he was introduced as an attacking jump for The Blues.

TIMO WERNER – 5/10

The German is still struggling in the Premier League. He missed an easy chance. He was lacking confidence which was clearly visible.

CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI – 6/10

In the 15 minutes he played, he improved the team’s attack. Gave in a few crosses. Other than that he was average.

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