Player Ratings: Late Goals Lift Chelsea Over Fulham in Dramatic Premier League Finish | OneFootball

Chelsea Strike Late to Punish Fulham in Premier League Derby

In the fading spring light on the banks of the Thames, Chelsea found a late surge of clarity and conviction to overcome Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage. It was a West London derby that flickered with moments but belonged, ultimately, to the visitors who stole the points with two late goals, leaving Fulham to rue another near miss in their bid for European football.

Fulham had started with verve and purpose, imposing themselves early in a fixture often characterised by needle and proximity rather than pure class. The Craven Cottage faithful were briefly lifted when Andreas Pereira found the net, only for an offside flag to deny the opener. That energy wasn’t wasted, though. Moments later, Ryan Sessegnon — persistent and lively down the right — outfoxed Reece James and squared for Alex Iwobi, whose sharp finish curled inside the far post.

Chelsea Slow to Spark in Disjointed First Half

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side, riding a wave of recent improvements, looked fatigued and disjointed for much of the first half. Changes at the break were inevitable and necessary, with Reece James and Noni Madueke withdrawn. The switch brought increased tempo but, initially, little direction.

Fulham’s defensive shape, marshalled well by Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey, kept the Blues at bay. Yet as the game wore on, the hosts began to fade physically and mentally. Maresca’s third substitution proved decisive, bringing on the fresh legs of Tyrique George with just over ten minutes remaining.

Late Goals Swing Momentum in Chelsea’s Favour

The teenager needed no invitation to make his mark. Arriving at the edge of the box, George swept a precise finish beyond Bernd Leno to level the score in the 84th minute. As Fulham faltered, Chelsea pounced.

Pedro Neto, deployed wide left, found just enough room in added time to unleash a ferocious strike that beat Leno again and turned the match on its head. It was a moment of sheer quality, and one that left Fulham supporters stunned after 80 minutes of disciplined effort.

Photo: IMAGO

Fulham Falter as Chelsea Eye Top-Five Push

The defeat is a bitter one for Marco Silva’s side. Fulham had controlled long spells of the match but lacked the composure to close it out. Chelsea’s late show lifted them into the Premier League’s top five, a position that seemed far from reach earlier this season.

For all of Fulham’s resilience, the lack of depth in key moments was exposed. Iwobi and Sessegnon impressed, but Fulham faded as Chelsea’s bench added quality and energy. For Maresca, the result is another sign that his tactical patience and squad rotation are beginning to pay dividends in high-pressure moments.

Player Ratings

Fulham

Chelsea