Chelsea 1-2 Fulham: Blues player ratings as late Wilson and Muniz strikes secure London derby victory for Cottagers | Premier League 2024-25
Chelsea lost 2-1 at home to Fulham in a dramatic finish to their Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day on Thursday. Substitutes Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz popped up with late goals for the Cottagers, who ended a 45-year wait to win at the Blues.
A sweet strike from Cole Palmer in the 16th minute had the Blues' noses in front for most of the game, as Fulham struggled to find a way past Robert Sanchez.
However, it all changed in the 82nd minute when Alex Iwobi won the ball back from Pedro Neto and launched an offensive, which resulted with Timothy Castagne squaring it off for Wilson to fire home the equalizer.
With eight minutes of time left, the Cottagers appeared to have secured a point at the Bridge, but there was one more twist in the tale. Sasa Lukic picked out Muniz with a perfectly weighted pas. Muniz took a touch to set himself up before unleashing a wonderful swirling winner.
For the first time since 1979, Fulham beat Chelsea away from home in the league, ending the Blues' 10-game unbeaten run in the competition this season. Their slip-up means Liverpool have a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Chelsea Player Ratings
Robert Sanchez - 6.5
The Chelsea custodian was having a great match, pulling off some vital saves to keep Fulham at bay. That was until substitute Harry Wilson broke his resolve in the closing stages. Muniz then rubbed further salt on his wounds.
Malo Gusto - 6
Calm and composed during the early exchanges, he lost his nerves as the match progressed and looked unsettled.
Tosin Adarabioyo - 6.5
He made four clearances and two tackles to come up big for Chelsea but also had his fare share of struggles, like giving the ball away for Alex Iwobi in the 15th minute.
Levi Colwill - 7.5
What a siesmic impact by Colwill at both ends! Defensively, he was resolute, positioning himself at the right place to make vital interventions, while also coming up big at the other end. The defender made five clearances and won four ground duels and also bagged the assist for Palmer with a lovely pass.
Marc Cucurella - 7
In a riveting first half, the Spaniard made two crosses that appeared to set the cat among the pigeons in the Fulham half. He also came close to scoring himself. He connected superbly with Fernandez's free-kick, but his diving header was kept away by Bernd Leno from point-blank range.
Moises Caicedo - 6
In an underwhelming performance, Caicedo struggled to win his duels. Of seven attempted on ground, he won just three and got dispossessed 12 times.
Enzo Fernandez - 7.5
Chelsea's attacking inspiration, Fernandez was an unflinching fireball of energy, poise and purpose. His passing was top-notch, and he demonstrated excellent vision to cut open Fulham's defence with Three key passes and as many crosses.
Jadon Sancho - 7
Showing good work ethic, the former Borussia Dortmund star linked up well with his attacking cohorts and got into pockets of space that appeared to rattle Fulham. A ferocious attempt in the 90th minute called Leno into action, but the goalkeeper parried Sancho's effort away.
Cole Palmer - 9
Full of energy and attacking effervescence, Palmer was once again the bright spot for Chelsea going forward. He linked up with his attacking cohorts to devastating effect and scored a brilliant goal early on to break the deadlock.
Pedro Neto - 5
Neto lost the ball to Alex Iwobi that led eventually led to Fulham's equalising goal. He was also booked earlier on for a foul on Iwobi in what was a game to forget for the winger.
Nicolas Jackson - 6
Not the best night for Jackson, as he looked to regain possession in key areas but came away with mixed results. He also missed a chance in the second half.
Ratings of Chelsea substitutes against Fulham
Christopher Nkunku - 6
The Frenchman nearly bagged an equaliser in the closing seconds with an acrobatic volley, but Leno, once again, played spoilsport by parrying it behind.
