Chelsea left it late to pick up all three points in what was a must-win West London derby against Fulham.
The Blues trailed 1-0 at the break, with pressure mounting on Enzo Maresca to find a solution and save their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
There was a brilliant turnaround to come though. Tyrique George came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal, while Pedro Neto found the net in added time to give them the win in dramatic circumstances.
Chelsea were by no means at their best, however will not care as they picked up their first away win of 2025 against their close rivals.
The Chelsea Chronicle have awarded player ratings for the Blues from the 2-1 win at Craven Cottage.
Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham
Robert Sanchez: 5/10
Robert Sanchez’s distribution was poor, as Chelsea failed to get much going on the counter attack particularly in the first half.
Nothing he could do about the goal, with fingers being pointed at one of his teammates as far as blame is concerned.
Reece James: 4/10
Caught in possession for Fulham’s opening goal, the club captain looked out of his depth when the home side came forwards down his side.
Fans have been calling for Reece James to return to right-back, however may have got a look at why he hasn’t been featuring in for a while.
Trevoh Chalobah: 5/10
Outperformed his central defensive partner, but again Trevoh Chalobah looked vulnerable at times at the back.
Preferred to former Fulham man Tosin Adarabioyo, Maresca will have got no real clarity over who should be starting for the remainder of the campaign.
Levi Colwill: 4/10
Uncomfortable in posession and part of a back two who were dominated for large portions of the game by an excellent Raul Jimenez.
Levi Colwill picked up what has become a trademark yellow card for bundling over his opponent for no real reason on the halfway line.
Marc Cucurella: 6/10
Saw his attacking responsibilities drastically dropped in the first half due to the return of James to right-back, however was asked to do more in the second half.
Moises Caicedo: 5/10
Moises Caicedo looked off the pace despite being rested in midweek, with his level nowhere near the standard he has set this season.
In what was a similar issue to under Mauricio Pochettino, it looks as if the Ecuadorian is having too much ground to cover in the middle of the park, and the Blues are suffering as a result.
Enzo Fernandez: 5/10
Very little went through Enzo Fernandez for the Blues as he struggled to stamp his authority on the West London derby.
The World Cup winner has had far better games, but set up the winner in added time.
Cole Palmer: 5/10
What has happened to Cole Palmer? Dominant performances from Chelsea’s star man have now been replaced with rare moments of brilliance surrounding not a lot of quality.
The England international’s run without a goal in the Premier League extends to 12 games.
Pedro Neto: 8/10
Posed an issue on both flanks for Chelsea, and was the provider of some of their more dangerous balls into the box that were not converted.
Pedro Neto’s stunning strike in added time was the difference between the two sides, sending the Chelsea fans at the game delirious.
Noni Madueke: 6/10
Was arguably Chelsea’s brightest spark in the first half on the right, however didn’t really cause too many genuine issues for Antonee Robinson in the final third.
Noni Madueke was extremely unfortunate to be the winger replaced at half-time, with Jadon Sancho coming on off the bench.
Nicolas Jackson: 3/10
Offered absolutely nothing up front, with Nicolas Jackson not having the ability to get on the end of some dangerous crosses from Neto in particular.
He will be more than aware of the links to signing a striker for the Blues, and his performance today will have only reinforced that desire from the higher ups.
Malo Gusto: 6/10
Chelsea certainly improved in the second half after the changes, something which has been customary of their performances lately.
Malo Gusto dealt far better with Fulham’s attacks down the left, whilst also allowed Cucurella to pick up the more advances positions that he has been traditionally in recent weeks. Was replaced late on following an injury concern.
Jadon Sancho: 6/10
Similarly to Gusto, Chelsea certainly benefitted from Jadon Sancho’s introduction, with the Blues actually looking dangerous down the left in spells.
The jury is out on whether Sancho will join the Blues permanently, however he is doing his chances no harm with recent performances.
Tyrique George: 8/10
Tyrique George saved a point for Enzo Maresca off the bench, as he replaced the inaffective Jackson in attack.
The youngster’s case for a first Premier League start continue’s to get stronger, with him showing his worth at a key time of the season.
Tosin Adarabioyo: N/A
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