Joao Pedro led a fortuitous تشيلسي side to a hotly contested 2-0 win over فولهام in a match overshadowed by refereeing decisions.
The Blues were given a huge reprieve when Joshua King’s 21st-minute goal was chalked off by referee Robert Jones following a VAR review as it was adjudged that Rodrigo Muniz fouled Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up. Then, in a huge sucker punch, Pedro scored his fifth Chelsea goal when he headed in Enzo Fernandez’s pinpoint corner in first-half stoppage time.
The visitors were left fuming again when Fernandez converted a 55th-minute penalty after Ryan Sessegnon handled in the box, although it looked like the ball struck Pedro’s hand seconds before that. Chelsea, who improved as the match wore on, continued their unbeaten start to the season as Fulham’s travelling support sang, "2-0 to the referee".
BALLGM rates Chelsea’s players from Stamford Bridge…
Joao Pedro led a fortuitous Chelsea side to a hotly contested 2-0 win over Fulham in a match overshadowed by refereeing decisions.
The Blues were given a huge reprieve when Joshua King’s 21st-minute goal was chalked off by referee Robert Jones following a VAR review as it was adjudged that Rodrigo Muniz fouled Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up. Then, in a huge sucker punch, Pedro scored his fifth Chelsea goal when he headed in Enzo Fernandez’s pinpoint corner in first-half stoppage time.
The visitors were left fuming again when Fernandez converted a 55th-minute penalty after Ryan Sessegnon handled in the box, although it looked like the ball struck Pedro’s hand seconds before that. Chelsea, who improved as the match wore on, continued their unbeaten start to the season as Fulham’s travelling support sang, “2-0 to the referee”.
بالجم rates Chelsea’s players from Stamford Bridge…
Robert Sanchez (7/10):
Would have breathed a huge sigh of relief as King easily sent him the wrong way for their disallowed goal. But he made some good reaction stops and his distribution seems to have improved.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Looked a bit off the pace at times as Fulham ran Chelsea ragged in the opening 45. He did improve as the tide turned in Chelsea’s favour.
Trevoh Chalobah (6/10):
The centre-back was very fortunate that his coming together with Muniz was deemed a foul, and he also had his hands full with the burly striker.
Tosin Adarabioyo (6/10):
Did not look entirely secure in a backtracking defensive line. His spot could be under scrutiny, especially when better teams face off against Chelsea.
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
The left-back was very switched on right from the off, and he had to be against the enterprising Timothy Castagne. The إسبانيا international has come on leaps and bounds in recent seasons.
Moises Caicedo (6/10):
The Ecuadorian international was much quieter than usual as Chelsea struggled, particularly in the first half. He cleaned up his act a bit in the second period.
Enzo Fernandez (6/10):
His corner for Chelsea’s opener was delightful, and he took his penalty with aplomb, but apart from that, he was part of a midfield that was on the back foot for long periods.
Joao Pedro (8/10):
السابق برايتون man is really showing his quality and versatility. He showed quick feet, a turn of pace, and his aerial prowess as the second striker. The Brazilian has been an excellent summer signing so far.
استيفاو (8/10):
Following his superb full debut in his side’s5-1 thrashing of وست هام, the teenager picked up where he left off with an exciting attacking display. The winger repeatedly got the better of the Fulham defence to delight the home fans. A real talent.
Liam Delap (N/A):
Pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury inside the opening 15 minutes and could not continue.
Pedro Neto (7/10):
Was not as effective as his fellow wideman Estevao but still kept Fulham’s defence honest. While he is a threat, the Portuguese arguably needs a bit more end product.
Tyrique George (6/10):
Came on for the injured Delap and did a decent job in his absence. Was then replaced 10 minutes from time.
Jamie Gittens (5/10):
Didn’t have much of an impact when he came on for Estevao. Needs to do more if he wants to start.
Reece James (N/A):
The right-back came on when the game was virtually won.
Andrey سانتوس (N/A):
Picked up a booking for his troubles in his most telling contribution off the bench.
Enzo Maresca (6/10):
His team were completely outplayed for the first 55 minutes or so, but somehow, they were 2-0 up. His managerial counterpart, ماركو سيلفا, won the tactical battle in that period but the second goal really deflated the Cottagers. This was a big escape for the Italian.
