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Cole Palmer’s precise penalty secured a crucial 1-0 win for Chelsea against west London rivals Fulham on Saturday, helping the Blues recover from their League Cup setback at Middlesbrough earlier in the week.
Palmer’s conversion in the late stages of the first half at Stamford Bridge served as redemption for Chelsea, who had suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat against second-tier Middlesbrough in the semi-final first leg of the League Cup on Tuesday.
Despite an unremarkable performance against Fulham, Mauricio Pochettino’s team notched their third consecutive Premier League victory, offering a glimmer of positivity after a tumultuous season.
Following a 10-day winter break, Chelsea will get a chance to overturn their League Cup deficit when they face Middlesbrough in the second leg on January 23.
In Pochettino’s inaugural season with Chelsea, the team remains a work in progress. The manager’s reliance on a predominantly youthful squad has resulted in both highs and lows.
Facing Fulham, a team without a win at Stamford Bridge since 1979, Chelsea found an opportunity to dispel the gloom. Despite being only two miles apart in west London, the clubs have historically been distant in terms of success on the pitch.
Chelsea’s recent struggles allowed Fulham to dream of an upset, and frustration among Blues fans was palpable as misplaced passes characterized their performance.
The absence of Nicolas Jackson, on Senegal duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Christopher Nkunku’s injury further limited Pochettino’s attacking options. Armando Broja, standing in for Jackson, missed a good chance with a wayward header.
Seeking to capitalize on Chelsea’s woes, Fulham mounted a break that culminated in a close-range effort from Harry Wilson, testing Chelsea’s goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
Despite a lackluster display, Chelsea took the lead in first-half stoppage time. Issa Diop’s rash challenge on Raheem Sterling led to a penalty, expertly dispatched by Palmer.
Palmer, dubbed ‘Cold Palmer’ by teammates for his composure, showcased his penalty prowess, marking his fifth successful conversion for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City in September.
Although Chelsea lost momentum in the second half, Palmer remained a bright spot, narrowly missing a curling effort early on. The Blues faced pressure from Fulham, with Raul Jimenez heading over and testing Petrovic with a low strike.
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher struck the woodwork with a clever effort, but last-ditch defending prevented further setbacks.
In the closing minutes, England left-back Ben Chilwell made a welcomed return from a four-month absence due to a hamstring injury, adding a positive note to Chelsea’s hard-fought victory.
