Premier League 2018/19, Chelsea 2-0 Fulham: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#4 There was nothing to show from Chelsea after the goal

Hazard had a quiet first-half

Chelsea failed to convert their sheer first-half dominance into a healthier advantage in terms of a lead.

After the first chance the Cottagers created, Mitrovic combined with Cairney and on the back of their intelligent exchange, Chambers let one go, asking questions to Kepa yet again.

Hazard, who was drafted back into the XI, barely made an impact until the dying stages of the first half.

He wasn't involved until the 25th minute or so, and even if he did get a chance to run at the opposition defence, the Belgium skipper was pegged back and thrown to the ground.

The visitors looked a bit flat and passive, but Chelsea didn't make amends of the opponent's profligacy at the back.

When they took the lead, it seemed like Ranieri's men are in for a long afternoon. But the Blues couldn't shift gears or move the ball with urgency and conviction.

Giroud's first strike was easily parried away by Rico as it was from an acute angle. The French striker tested the Sevilla loanee again, on the back of some excellent movement. This was all from Maurizio Sarri's team in the first 45 minutes.