Premier League
Chelsea Outlast Hopeful Fulham
Chelsea entered the weekend with a breath of fresh air after a much needed win against Tottenham mid-week. The blues rekindled their top four aspirations after defeating Spurs who have had their number as of late. Maurizio Sarri travels to Fulham seeing his number one keeper Kept return to the starting lineup. Pressure on the manager and his relations with his team seem to be dwindling down after a chaotic month. Fulham are treading water in the relegation zone on the Premier League table and are desperate for any sign of hope.
The Unlikely Heroes
Chelsea’s return to Premier League action couldn’t come at a better time for the squad. Chelsea were back to their distinctive movement of player and the ball in the early goings of the match. The blues would welcome back the goal scoring of their new addition Gonzalo Higuain once again. The Argentinian would open up the day with a classic poachers goal in the 21st minute. Azpilicueta would deliver a sharp ball into the six yard box where the striker would meet it with a low shot putting the blues ahead early. Fulham would experience a bright spot with an equalizing goal mid way through from Calum Chambers. However, much like Fulham’s season, this was once again false hope. The blues would get their go ahead goal only minutes later. Jorginho would put the away side ahead with a classy finish from the top of the box.
Kepa’s Return
Sarri’s side would see out the match, but not without moments of common second half instability. Kepa’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The Chelsea number one would come up huge for his side in the second half. Kepa’s moment of shine came in the 89th minute when he delivered a flying save denying a powerful header from Mitrovic. The three points today see Chelsea still in sixth place on the table but only four points outside the top four. The blues also have a game in hand allowing them the potential to regain champions league play next year easier. Fulham will travel to Leicester City next week who are also dealing with a spiral form in play at the moment. Chelsea will host a resurgent Wolves team next week hoping to keep their winning form alive.
Photo credit to Chelsea via Twitter
