Chelsea Snatch Late Win Over Fulham to Boost Champions League Ambitions
Chelsea pulled off a dramatic late comeback to edge Fulham 2-1 in a thrilling Premier League clash at Craven Cottage on Sunday, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes alive.
The Blues overturned a first-half deficit thanks to goals from Tyrique George and Pedro Neto, sealing a vital three points on the road.
Fulham took an early lead in the 20th minute when Alex Iwobi punished a defensive error to fire past Chelsea’s keeper, giving the hosts a deserved advantage.
The Cottagers, who began the day in ninth place with 48 points, dominated the opening period with high pressing and sharp ball movement that disrupted Chelsea’s flow.
Despite creating more chances, Fulham couldn’t extend their lead, and goalkeeper Bernd Leno was called into action to deny Chelsea before the break.
After a disappointing first-half display, Chelsea returned from the interval with renewed purpose. Head coach Enzo Maresca’s tactical tweaks gave the visitors more control in midfield and helped them regain momentum. The breakthrough came in the 83rd minute when 19-year-old Tyrique George, making his mark in the top flight, drilled a low shot from outside the box into the bottom corner to level the score. His debut Premier League goal ignited wild celebrations among the traveling Chelsea supporters.
As the match approached full time, Chelsea struck again. In the 90th minute, Enzo Fernández picked out Pedro Neto with a precise through ball, and the Portuguese winger made no mistake, smashing a powerful left-footed effort into the roof of the net. The late strike completed Chelsea’s impressive turnaround and handed them their first away league victory of the year.
Fulham pushed hard in the dying minutes, but Chelsea’s defense held strong. With Malo Gusto forced off due to injury, Tosin Adarabioyo came on to help see out the win.
The result sees Chelsea climb to sixth in the Premier League table with 54 points, keeping them within touching distance of the top four.