Pressure was temporarily lifted on Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca as his side picked up a huge win in the West London derby.
The Blues looked as if they were toiling towards yet another away defeat, however late goals from Tyrique George and Pedro Neto gave them their first victory on the road in 2025.
George starred off the bench as his quest for a first Premier League start continues, with the manager surely unable to leave him out much longer.
Chelsea knew before the game that a win would see them return to the top five and the Champions League places, with results not going their way earlier in the weekend.
Enzo Maresca’s interesting reaction to Chelsea’s win over Fulham
It has long been claimed that Maresca’s target is Champions League football, and that would have looked a very difficult achievement should they have not left Craven Cottage with all three points.
Journalist Nizaar Kinsella pointed out after the game that while Maresca was overjoyed at full-time, he brought himself back down to earth quickly, obviously knowing there is still a huge task at hand.
He said: “Chelsea’s first win in nine away games. Wild celebrations with fans and players. Much of the coaching staff out enjoying it too but not Enzo Maresca who briefly celebrated but composed himself and went straight down the tunnel.”
Chelsea fans make feelings known about Maresca
The Italian has proven to not be the most popular figure around Stamford Bridge recently, with Chelsea’s poor form in 2025 a major factor.
Chants have been aimed at Maresca for their style of play, and things threatened to boil over when Fulham looked set to win the game.
The manager’s substitutes paid off though, and one of his introductions finding the net will certainly do his stock no harm as he fights to convince everyone he is the right man to lead the Chelsea project.
There will be an acknowledgement that the job is by no means done, with all eyes turning to their next game against Everton.
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