Perhaps regarded as one of the tamer derbies in English football, Fulham made the short trip across West London to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
CHE: Petrović; Colwill, Silva, Disasi, Gusto; Fernández, Caicedo; Sterling, Gallagher, Palmer; Broja
FUL: Leno; Robinson, Diop, Adarabioyo, Tete; Cairney, Palhinha; Willian, Pereira, Wilson; Jiménez
Wasteful finishing in the first half from both Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja looked destined to send Mauricio Pochettino’s side into the break on level pegging with their West London rivals – until Raheem Sterling was tripped in the penalty area in stoppage time.
Having teed up the winger with an exquisite reverse pass, Cole Palmer dispatched a convincing effort from the spot to send Bernd Leno the wrong way and seize a crucial half-time advantage.
Embed from Getty ImagesConor Gallagher could have doubled that lead late on in the second half, though his well-hit effort struck the far post as the Blues were forced to settle for a slender victory at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s next match sees them welcome Middlesbrough to West London, in a clash that will see them fight to overcome a one-goal deficit from the first leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal. Fulham are in action a day later, hosting Liverpool – and the Cottagers also have a one-goal deficit to deal with.
