Chelsea must make every effort to beat the host Fulham who played 10 people in the Premier League continued on Week 18, Sunday (17/1). The only goal for Chelsea’s victory was scored by Mason Mount.
Playing at Craven Cottage Stadium, Chelsea took the initiative of the game. Chelsea created opportunities first through Hakim Ziyech and Oliver Giroud.
Chance after opportunity was created by Chelsea, one of them from Ziyech in the 23rd minute, but did not produce a goal. The ex-Ajax Amsterdam shot was blocked by Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Chelsea, who appeared more dominant, still couldn’t find a goal. Mason Mount’s efforts for example, his hard shot only hit the crossbar.
The hosts had to play 10 men after Antonee Robinson was shown a red card after a dangerous tackle on Cesar Azpilicueta ahead of half-time.
Even so, Chelsea was still unable to break into the Fulham goal. The halftime break the score is still just as strong.
In the second half, Fulham further closed the ranks at the back. Of course it is increasingly difficult for Chelsea to score goals.
Continuously curbing the host’s defense, the Blues were even close to being missed when there was a miss communication between Azpilicueta and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Fortunately, Ivan Cavaleiro failed to take advantage of the wild ball.
Chelsea finally opened the scoring through Mount in 78 minutes. Utilizing a wild ball from Areola’s edge from the hull, Mount freely poked the ball near the penalty box and lodged in the bottom left corner of the Fulham goal.
Winning one goal, making Frank Lampard’s team more comfortable playing the ball. Despite looking for additional goals, the opportunities created have not produced results.
In the final minutes, Chelsea had the opportunity to add goals through a counter attack scheme.
Timo Werner who received the through ball dribbled from the middle of the field. Unfortunately, only to face one on one with Areola in the penalty box, his shot was miserable.
Until normal time ran out, the score 1-0 for Chelsea’s victory did not change.
Based on statistics, Chelsea has 21 shots. Only six of them met their targets. Chelsea also had control of the ball by 69.5 percent. But only one goal was created.
This is Chelsea’s first win in 2021 in the Premier League. They last won in the Premier League when they beat West Ham 3-0 on December 21, 2020. Since then Chelsea have never won again in the next three Premier League matches.
They were defeated by Arsenal 1-3 and held to a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa. Finally they were also beaten by Manchester City 1-3. These results certainly improve the position of Chelsea in the standings. They are now in eighth position with a collection of 29 points.
