Chelsea narrowly secured victory in a tense west London derby against Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The decisive moment came in the first half when Cole Palmer converted a penalty, proving to be the sole difference between the two teams in a match where both struggled to find their attacking rhythm.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea has now climbed to eighth in the Premier League table, surpassing Manchester United and Newcastle United, who are yet to play this weekend. Meanwhile, Marco Silva’s Fulham remains in the 13th position.
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The opening 15 minutes saw Conor Gallagher’s attempt over the Fulham defense, providing the first significant goal-scoring opportunity. Chelsea came close soon after when Armando Broja’s header, met by Enzo Fernandez’s precise cross, narrowly missed the near post.
Fulham nearly broke the deadlock as Antonee Robinson’s low cross found Harry Wilson, whose first-time strike was thwarted by Djordje Petrovic’s legs.
Controversy arose when Malo Gusto’s challenge on Willian’s ankle did not result in a red card, much to Fulham’s dismay. The referee’s decision to only book Gusto was upheld by VAR.
In first-half stoppage time, Chelsea was awarded a penalty when Raheem Sterling was tripped by Issa Diop. Cole Palmer calmly sent Bernd Leno the wrong way, providing Chelsea with the lead.
Shortly after the break, Sterling’s attempt from Fernandez’s cross hit the post, and a similar chance from Broja’s strike was behind a tame effort by Tosin Adarabioyo.
Fulham showed signs of life in the second half when Robinson’s pass to Andreas Pereira led to a cutback to Raul Jimenez, but his shot was comfortably saved by Petrovic.
Chelsea hit the post again late in the game with Conor Gallagher’s skillful outside-of-the-boot shot navigating through Fulham defenders.
Despite enduring stoppage-time pressure, Chelsea held on to secure a crucial victory.