Fulham 0-1 Chelsea: 5 Talking points as Mason Mount's late strike gives Blues the win

Modified Jan 17, 2021 02:08 GMT

#3 Frank Lampard needs a reliable striker to lead the lineup

Chelsea recorded 21 shots against Fulham tonight, though only six of them were on target. Olivier Giroud started ahead of Timo Werner but the veteran striker failed to provide the final touch in front of the goal.

Even when the hosts were reduced to 10 men, the visitors continued to struggle in the final third. Though Pulisic provided a lot of width and pace going forward, the passes were not up to the mark.

With 70% possession, we expected them to put the game to bed sooner than Mount's goal. This wastefulness in the final third might be a problem as they travel to Leicester in the next league outing.

#2 Fulham fought hard despite going down to 10 men

A straight red card to Fulham wing-back Antonee Robinson was probably the biggest turning point in the game. The high-boot challenge on Azpilicueta was reckless on Robinson's part but some might suggest that it was only a yellow card offense.

Nonetheless, the hosts showed character in not letting the sending off dictate how the rest of the game panned out. They kept themselves in the game for as long as possible, defending well and attacking the counter whenever possible.

They were unlucky to concede a goal in the 78th minute as a save from Areola fell kindly for an unmarked Mount.

Robinson had been their best attacking outlet and his dismissal put a dent in whatever hopes they had to play out a fifth consecutive draw in the league.

#1 Chelsea record sixth consecutive win over their London rivals

Chelsea maintained their brilliant record against Fulham with yet another win in this West London derby. It was their sixth consecutive victory against the Cottagers in the Premier League.

The Blues have only lost one of their 29 league meetings with Fulham and are unbeaten in their last 19 Premier League meetings.

Though it was not a very impressive performance from the five-time champions, they return home with three points from the game.