Despite playing poorly, Chelsea still managed to scrape a 1-0 win against West London rivals Fulham on Saturday evening.
Fulham played the entirety of the second half with 10 men, but the Blues still failed to create any chances of note. In the 78th minute, Mason Mount volleyed the winner after dubious goalkeeping from Alphonse Areola who pushed a cross straight into the feet of the Englishman.
Frank Lampard’s side won the game, but the team still isn’t firing on all cylinders and questions will be asked of him after this lethargic performance.
Player Ratings:
Edouard Mendy – 5
Didn’t have much to do all, but made a mistake that almost gave 10 men Fulham the lead in the second half.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Lethargic and sluggish in defence. Fulham exploited his lack of pace and many of their promising attacks came down their left-hand side. Was also involved in a mix-up with Mendy that almost gifted away a goal to the home side.
Thiago Silva – 8
Calm and composed on the ball, he had 132 touches and attempted 122 passes with a pass accuracy of 94.3, the most from either team. Got a vital block in after Mendy’s mistake allowed Fulham a shot at an empty goal when the game was scoreless. (WhoScored)
Antonio Rudiger – 7
A decent game in defence. Circulated possession well and created a big chance for Tammy Abraham with a cross. He forced an excellent save from Areola with his header from a corner.
Ben Chilwell – 6
A poor game by his usually high standards. He attempted 8 crosses and did not complete a single one, but did okay defensively with a good work rate.(WhoScored)
Jorginho – 4
For much of the first half, he was unable to hold the midfield which was bypassed way too easily and frequently by Fulham. He looked like a passenger in the game for large parts of it and was taken off for Tammy Abraham in the 64th minute.
Kovacic – 4
Didn’t have much of an impact in the game in offence or defence and looked a shadow of the man that won Chelsea’s player of the season award for last season. He was moved deeper and given the responsibility of ball progression in the 2nd half after Jorginho was taken off and looked better. It was a surprise that he was allowed to play the 90 and was not taken off.
★ Mason Mount – 9
When the chips are down, Mason Mount always produces. From the goal against Wolves that got Chelsea into the Champions League last season to the goal that kickstarted the comeback against West Brom earlier this season to yesterday, Mount has been an epitome of consistency and reliability and proved why he is one of Chelsea’s most important players.
He completed seven key passes, the most of anyone on the pitch, 3 dribbles, won seven out of his ten ground duels, struck the bar once and of course, scored the winner on the day. (WhoScored)
Hakim Ziyech – 6
Had a poor game by his standards. Fulham doubled up on him and did not allow him to cut inside on his left foot to cross. Completed just one key pass in the 74 minutes that he played before being replaced by Hudson-Odoi.
Olivier Giroud – 6
Did not bring players into the game as much as one would expect of him. His lack of movement made it too easy for Fulham to defend. He did not get many high-quality chances to score either and was replaced by Timo Werner in the 74th minute.
Christian Pulisic – 6
Was stifled by Fulham’s low block and did not have an opportunity to attack them with his pace and direct dribbling. He didn’t have as much of an impact in the final third as one would expect of him. Not at his brilliant best.
Substitutes:
Tammy Abraham – 6
Came on and immediately got himself in a position to score from a Rudiger cross. Was sharp in his movement late in the game and showed why he deserves to start.
Timo Werner – 4
Got many great opportunities to score and was let down by his poor first touch and bad finishing. More is expected of him.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 8
Came on in the 74th minute and changed the game with his immaculate final third passing. Was heavily involved in the build-up to Mason Mount’s goal. He will surely be demanding a start after another promising performance.
