Chelsea cruise past flailing Fulham

Chelsea maintained their title challenge with a 2-0 win over Fulham, goals from Pedro and Ruben Loftus-Cheek proving enough to settle their west London neighbourhood spat.

The Blues, who were looking to bounce back from an uncomfortable defeat at Wembley when completely outplayed by Tottenham last weekend, were dominant throughout in a largely forgettable Premier League clash and made the perfect start.

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It took just four minutes to break the deadlock and from Fulham’s perspective, it was a totally avoidable goal. Jean Michael Seri was caught in possession by N’Golo Kante in the middle of the pitch and, in acres of space, the Frenchman slipped in a cute pass to Pedro on the right side of the Fulham penalty area. The winger cut inside onto his left foot and fired into the far corner of Sergio Rico’s goal.

Pedro’s goal, as well as being the 1,000th goal scored at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League era, was also the catalyst for cruise control. For Chelsea failed to get out of second gear in the first half as Fulham rarely posed a threat.

It was all too casual and there was little urgency from Chelsea and they gave the home fans little to shout about.

Eden Hazard always looked a threat, however, and he switched play well in the 24th minute, only for Olivier Giroud to fire straight at Rico from a tight angle, after his first touch proved a little too heavy.

Much of Chelsea’s attacking impetus came from Fulham mistakes and Hazard again capitalised on another, crossing for Giroud who got something on it, only for Rico to make another save.

Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic (left) and Chelsea’s Jorginho on the run in the London derby

Chelsea’s final ball into the box was rarely clinical, but Fulham right-back Cyrus Christie was left isolated on several occasions and he gave the ball away in midfield after 37 minutes and Giroud pounced, lifting the ball over the top to Mateo Kovacic. He fired towards the near post and Giroud was inches away from connecting.

Fulham, whose last win against came against Chelsea in 2006, almost went two down just before the break when Giroud did well to flick on Cesar Azpilicueta’s right-wing cross, only for Rico to make another fine stop with an outstretched leg.

Pedro had an early chance early in the second half when driving forward from David Luiz’s pass, only to see his shot palmed away by Rico.

Fulham showed more attacking intent in the second period, employing more width.

Chelsea received a wake-up call 10 minutes into the second half, when the Cottagers broke down the right and Aleksandar Mitrovic got on the end of Aboubakar Kamara’s low cross, only for Antonio Rudiger to push the ball away from danger at the near post with a sliding block.

From the resulting corner, Calum Chambers rose unmarked above the Blues’ defence and sent a powerful header goalward, only for Arrizabalaga to parry. Pedro cleared the loose ball with a brave challenge, as Denis Odoi caught him straight in the stomach with his studs.

Fulham fathomed another great chance Aboubakar Kamara sent Tom Cairney driving to byline. He cut the ball back for Chambers, whose powerful shot was brilliantly palmed away by Arrizabalaga to his right.

As Fulham attempted to find a way back into the contest, Sarri had seen enough and Ruben Loftus-Cheek replaced Mateo Kovacic with 23 minutes remaining and Giroud was replaced by Alvaro Morata with three minutes after that.

Morata did not make the most impressive of starts, blasting over from six yards out with the goal gaping after Rico had pushed away Hazard’s deflected shot.

Fortunately for the Spaniard, Chelsea sealed the game with the best move of the game. With eight minutes remaining, Hazard danced down the right, beautifully squared the ball to Loftus Cheek and the sub lifted the ball over Rico at the near post. It finally woke Blues’ fans from their stupor.

Quite why Loftus-Cheek has had so little game-time at Stamford Bridge is a major question, but on this occasion, he provided just the impetus Sarri’s side needed to bounce back.

What does it mean? Sarri’s men short of their best

Chelsea will undoubtedly be pleased to get back to winning ways in the league after being well beaten by Spurs, but the manner of victory was far from convincing. They were in control for the most part but the fact the Blues were unable to put the game to bed should be a source of frustration for Sarri.

Kepa keeps Fulham at bay

After a mixed game in the humbling by Tottenham, Sarri will have been pleased to see Arrizabalaga make a couple of important saves, particularly on a day when his side produced a below-par showing that better teams may have punished.

Seri has a sorry afternoon

Aside from a corner that Chambers almost converted, Seri endured a dreadful afternoon as Fulham’s midfield was completely dominated. He was at fault for the goal and was consistently lackadaisical in possession.

What’s next

Both Sarri and Ranieri will see their squad depth challenged by midweek fixtures. Chelsea visit Wolves while Fulham will see a home game with another of their manager’s old employers, Leicester City, as a better opportunity to move off the bottom.