Chelsea secured another crucial win in the top-four race as they continued their dominance in the west London derby. Goals from Kai Havertz early in both halves saw the Blues move to within two points of Leicester and condemn Fulham to another loss. Relegation could be confirmed next week for the Cottagers if results don’t go in their favour.
Team News
Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel made five changes from the midweek draw at Madrid. Billy Gilmour made his first start since Lampard’s departure, while there were recalls for Kurt Zouma, Reece James, Hakim Ziyech and Havertz.
Fulham
Scott Parker decided to make no changes from the painful 1-1 draw at Arsenal last week.
Chelsea win, but trouble for Fulham
Realistically, only a win for Fulham would have kept any faint survival hopes alive. That was clearly the mindset of the players, as they started on the front foot. An early long range effort from Antonee Robinson forced Edouard Mendy into action. At the other end, Chelsea created their first chance with a long ball over the top. Mason Mount’s low driven cross just a shade heavy for Timo Werner in the box.
Then moments later, another long ball undid Fulham’s defense. A brilliant first touch and pass from Mount set up Havertz who finished the move off. Fulham though weren’t undone by the goal as they continued to attack Chelsea with vigor. Ademola Lookman tested Mendy and at the stroke of half-time, Ola Aina’s shot deflected off James and required a fine readjustment from Mendy to keep the cleansheet intact.
Alphonse Areola was busy at the other end too, keeping Werner and more impressively Ziyech out with wonderful saves. Overall though, the visitors created more chances than the hosts.
In the second half, there was no change in Fulham’s approach. But they were punished again as Havertz scored his second, this time linking with compatriot Werner. The goal seemed to deflate Fulham who tried their best but were unable to really trouble the Blues backline. Ultimately, it was another cleansheet for Mendy and Tuchel as the focus now shifts on the Champion’s League semi-final second leg.
What does it mean for the league table
Chelsea moved six points clear of West Ham and seven clear of Liverpool. Both have challenging away fixtures this matchweek. The Blues are now closer to third-placed Leicester than fifth-placed West Ham.
No outcome would have changed Fulham’s position (18th), but a win would have kept them alive for a few weeks at least. As things stand, they are nine points behind Newcastle, having played a game more. Relegation could become a reality as soon as next week for Parker’s men, whose loss of form couldn’t have come at a worse time.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham: Opta Stats
- Chelsea remain unbeaten in their last 19 home matches against Fulham in all competitions (W11 D8), since a 0-2 defeat in October 1979 – only versus Everton (31), Hull City (23) and Middlesbrough (21) are the Blues currently enjoying a longer unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge.
- All eight of Kai Havertz’s goals for Chelsea in all competitions have been scored in London (seven at Stamford Bridge and one at Selhurst Park).
- Fulham remain winless in their last 24 Premier League London derbies (D5 L19), since a 2-1 victory against West Ham in January 2014 – in top-flight history, only Crystal Palace have endured a longer winless run in London derbies (31 games between August 1969 – March 1973).
- Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has kept more clean sheets (11) than any other manager in Premier League history from their first 15 games in charge in the competition (overtaking Mourinho and Scolari, 10 each from their first 15).
- Fulham have failed to win any of their 10 Premier League London derbies this season (D4 L6) – this is the seventh occasion of a side from the capital failing to win any of their Premier League games against fellow London clubs, with Fulham responsible for four of those instances (also in 2007-08, 2010-11 and 2018-19).
- Mason Mount (5 goals, 2 assists) and Timo Werner (2 goals, 5 assists) have been involved in more Chelsea goals under Thomas Tuchel than any other player in all competitions.
Up Next
Chelsea host Real Madrid in their Champion’s League semi-final second leg on Wednesday, 5th May.
Fulham host Burnley next Monday in the Premier League.