Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 03/10/23...

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Results

Monday
Fulham	0-2	Chelsea

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Fulham 0-2 Chelsea

Mykhailo Mudryk's first goal for Chelsea and a strike from Armando Broja saw the Blues beat Fulham for only their second league win of the campaign.

Mudryk has had a mixed time at Stamford Bridge since signing for £89m in January from Shakhtar Donetsk but his first-half performance looked as though it could be a turning point in his Chelsea career.

The Ukrainian gave the away side the lead in the 18th minute when he controlled Levi Colwill's chipped cross with his chest before finishing under Bernd Leno.

Broja doubled the Chelsea lead a minute later, with his first goal since October 2022 following a serious knee injury, as Chelsea moved up to 11th in the Premier League.

Fulham did not create much and their best chance came from Sasa Lukic in the second half when his shot from inside the six-yard box was well saved by Robert Sanchez.

Mudryk was withdrawn at half-time with a quad injury but boss Mauricio Pochettino was hopeful the winger would be fit enough to play at Burnley on Saturday.

Confidence for Mudryk
This match was Mudryk's third start in a row and he looked to be benefiting from regular game time, with the 22-year-old a constant threat in the first half.

Pochettino has spoken about the need to improve Mudryk's confidence and has been playing the 'crossbar challenge' with the winger after training to help - and it certainly looks to be paying off.

At times in his 24-game Chelsea career, it has looked as though Mudryk was not confident in his decision making but everything he did in this game showed a real assertiveness as demonstrated by his clinical finish from Colwill's pass.

"Misha [Mudryk] played because he's showing in the training sessions that he deserved to be," said Pochettino.

"He was really focused and his performances in training provided us the confidence to put him on the pitch. I'm pleased for Misha and for Armando.

"Misha scored his first goal in the Premier League and for Armando after a long period out he scored again, the competition is really good for the team.

"Young people need time to settle and it has been massive change for Misha when he arrived here.

"It's not easy to settle. It's about time and being patient. It is to trust these guys, these young talented players."

Chelsea, who have 12 first-team players injured as well as striker Nicolas Jackson and defender Malo Gusto missing through suspension, were dominant in the opening half with Cole Palmer also impressing on his first league start since signing from Manchester City.

In Jackson's absence, Pochettino will have been thankful he had Broja to call on, especially when the striker took advantage of some hesitant Fulham defending to make it 2-0 soon after Mudryk's opener.

Fulham centre-back Tim Ream gifted the ball to Palmer and then kicked the Chelsea forward's pass against Broja's outstretched foot, with the ball rebounding into the net.

It was only a second Chelsea goal for 22-year-old Albanian Broja, who is working his way back to fitness after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in December.

Fulham's best chance of the first period came at the end of the half when a Raul Jimenez header from a corner went well wide of Sanchez's post.

Ian Maatsen, who replaced Mudryk at half-time, smacked the Fulham post as Chelsea looked for a third in the second half.

The final 15 minutes could have been much different had Lukic done better from close range when Tom Cairney's pass found him in the Chelsea area but in the end Chelsea comfortably held on.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66909069

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Marco's Post-Chelsea press conference

Marco Silva gave an honest review of proceedings as his side were beaten by Chelsea on Monday night.

"Dissapointing result for us," our Head Coach admitted. "In certain moments performance-wise as well.

"The derby started intense, both teams started intensly from the first moment.

"They won some individual challenges that gave them a boost that they needed in that moment."

"Our first half was not aggressive enough on and off the ball, too flat in some moments, too passive in some moments as well.

"Even so, the game was balanced until the moment they scored the first goal.

"We were too passive in the way we reacted to that cross from (Levi) Colwill in that situation and after that we were punished by another mistake from ourselves.

"The quality they have on the ball, of course they were much more confident from that moment."

Despite not finding a way back into the game, our Boss did acknowledge an improved showing later on in the contest.

"Our second half was better," he said. "We have created two clear chances and we have to score on one of those.

"The chance from Alex Iwobi and then a massive one from Saša Lukić in the six-yard box to make it 2-1, boost the crowd and go for the game again.

"We had much more of the ball, the biggest difference was most of the time they (Chelsea) decided well and created the chances.

"So many times in certain areas our decision was not the best."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/october/02/marcos-post-chelsea-press conference/

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Mudryk and Broja lift the spirits of the depressed Chelsea fans with goals that beat noisy neighbours Fulham 2- at the Cottage tonight
Fulham 0 v Chelsea 2
24,445

Chelsea rise to the dizzy height [for them] of 11th in the Premier League after an impressive counter-attacking performance that yielded a 2-0 win against noisy neighbours Fulham at Craven Cottage tonight.

Strikes from Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja saw off the out-of-sorts Whites.

The match was won with the Blues taking command of the midfield where skipper Conor Gallagher had his best performance in a Blue shirt – his energy, running and desire to command the pitch rubbed off on Cole Palmer and Enzo, who kept Fulham in two minds as to attack or defend.

The added to a lack of tempo from the home side allowed Chelsea to sit back and then allow the pace of Palmer and Mudryk to flourish.

It will take time for the Chelsea fans to get to know this side.

The fact that their chants throughout the night consisted of references to old timers Dennis Wise, Frank Lampard and former owner Roman Abramovich suggests they haven't quite taken with this side yet.

Fulham feel as though they are playing with the handbrake half on – the introduction of Carlos Vinicius and Alex Iwobi gave the fans something to cheer and hope for a comeback.

But it just didn't work out this time.

Broja had a glorious chance to put the visitors 1-0 up in two minutes, but after collecting the ball on the left, he edged into the centre of the Fulham penalty area, but skied his effort high and wide of goal.

Having been the object of a few jeers for his wayward passing and finishing, Mudryk, silenced the teasing home fans on 18 minutes when he latched onto a Levi Colwill ball on the left, chested it down and slide it past Bernd Leno from just inside the penalty area.

A minute and a half later terrible play by skipper Tim Ream saw the ball out from the back intercepted by Palmer. The wide man inched the ball to Broja who took advantage of Ream trying to win it back and the Albanian striker punched the back of the net to make it 2-0 to the visitors.

Fulham responded well with an increase in possession without making too much of a dent in the Chelsea rearguard and the Whites became susceptible to the quick counter-attack.

A header by Raul Jimenez with five minutes left on the clock, from a corner was powerful enough, but he was unable to direct it towards goal and is sailed wide for a goal kick.

Chelsea replaced Mudryk with Ian Maatsen replacing the Ukrainian at half-time.

Fulham were unchanged.

The first chance, like in the first half fell early to |Broja. This time a glancing header went over the Fulham crossbar.

Jimenez and Harry Wilson was soon replaced by Carlos Vinicius and Alex Iwobi.

But it was the Blues who could have increased their lead on 55 minutes, but Palmer's edge of area left-footer went straight to Leno.

But Fulham got a burst of energy and tempo from their arrival of their two substitutes which flowed in to the fans.

But still the Blues had the better of the chances, Maatsen rattled the woodwork, while the follow-up by Enzo was well saved by Leno.

Sadly for Broja his night ending in that attack and he looked a forlorn figure who clearly sustained an in jury.

He had only just come back from a 10-month knee absence.

Raheem Sterling replaced him.

Fulham brought on Tom Cairney for Harrison Reed at the same time – 66 minutes.

A weak head by Vinicius was gleefully snaffled by Robert Sanchez.

Andreas Pereira night ended on 75 minutes when Sasa Lukic replaced him.

Sanchez was on the spot top thwart Lukic's first touch, hacking away the close-range effort.

This signalled a replacement of the impressive Palmer for Lesley Ugochukwu on 77 minutes.

The five minutes of added time brought no action to speak of and the home fans wandered off in to the west London night wondering about where their season is heading.

For Chelsea there is a glimmer that their season is turning for the better but they nee to take full points away to Burnley on Saturday to confirm it.

Teams: Fulham, Leno, Reed, Jimenez, Wilson, Ream, Pereira, Willian, Castagne, Palhinha, Diop, Robinson

Subs: Rodak, Bassey, Cairney, Ballo-Toure, De Cordova-Reid, Muniz, Iwobi, Lukic, Vinicius

Chelsea: Sanchez, Disasi, Cucurella, Silva, Fernandez, Mudryk, Broja, Palmer, Gallagher, Caicedo, Colwill

Subs: Petrovic, Sterling, Madueke, Ugochukwu, Maatsen, Washington, Gilchrist, Brooking, Matos

Referee: Tim Robinson



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/mudryk-and-broja-lift-the-spirits-of-the-depressed-chelsea-fans-with-goals-that-beat-noisy-neighbours-fulham-2-at-the-cottage-tonight/

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Fulham 0-2 Chelsea: Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja strike one minute apart as Mauricio Pochettino's men finally find their cutting edge

    Mykhailo Mudryk finally scored his first competitive goal for the club midway through the first half
    Armando Broja, returning to the starting XI for the first time in 11 months, doubled the lead one minute later
    Ian Maatsen almost made it three after coming off the bench but his strike came back off the woodwork

This felt like a derby only in terms of its geography. Just 1.5 miles separate these two clubs and even after this result the only difference in the Premier League table is in the goal difference column. Nevertheless, in terms of what we saw on the field, Chelsea were superior by a distance.

It is not often we have said that about Chelsea this season, or indeed at all in recent times. We certainly could not say that after games against Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and West Ham, all of which had previously been lost this campaign.

But here, belatedly but also just in time to stop a growing feeling of crisis, Mauricio Pochettino's team resembled a decent side once again. Not spectacular or flamboyant. And not always expansive. But purposeful, superior and more than competent. On this occasion and in these trying Chelsea times, it was enough.

Chelsea dominated the play and the good chances. Indeed Fulham only had one, substitute Sasa Lukic denied by Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal with ten minutes left. Cole Palmer, signed recently from Manchester City, was the game's best player and its best passer. Some capture the 21-year-old may yet transpire to be for Chelsea.

But it was the identity of the two goal scorers that may yet prove most significant of all. The first, in the 19th minute, was the Ukrainian Mykhailo Mudryk. Signed for £85m last January, Mudryk has been less disappointing and more invisible in the months that have followed. This was his very first goal.

Then, 82 seconds later and after a mistake by Fulham captain Tim Ream, the English-born Albanian Armando Broja scored his team's second. Broja's problems have not been of form but of fitness. The 22-year-old – born in Slough to Albanian parents - has struggled with a knee injury and this was only his first goal in a year and indeed only his first start since last November. The relief and joy on his face was palpable.

As for Fulham, they were never really at it. They can be better than this. Marco Silva's team lack a focal point now that Aleksandar Mitrovic is playing in Saudi Arabia but, as worrying as that is, it was not the only thing wrong here. They were not competitive enough early on – conceding a chance to Chelsea in the very first minute – and by the time they improved they were a goal down.

Chelsea's problems had run deep this season, as we know. Not enough goals – they had not scored for 285 minutes in the league prior to this game - had bled quickly into not enough points. It's a potentially damaging combination. Here, they had the returning Broja to look to and he immediately gave them a presence at the top of their formation.

Played clear on goal in the opening moments, Broja actually should have scored. He didn't panic. But nor did he score. Taking the ball round Fulham goalkeeper Bern Leno, he then shot carelessly high and wide. He looked mortified and no wonder.

A miss totally in keeping with Chelsea's season, for once it did not set the tone and Pochettino's players – starting without Raheem Sterling who had been unwell - pressed Fulham back until they eventually broke through

The first goal was lovely, Levi Colwill's cross from the left was expertly fashioned and good enough to arc over the head of Fulham defender Issa Diop and on to Mudryk's chest. Diop probably should have done better. He seemed to jump too early. But when the ball dropped to Mudryk he controlled it beautifully and waited for it to fall to ground before stroking it first time under the advancing goalkeeper on the half volley.

It was a goal of lovely simplicity and we hope it sparks something deep within Mudryk, a player who has so often looked simply miserable since his arrival in London in the New Year.

The second Chelsea goal, meanwhile, was calamitous from Fulham's point of view. Stretching to intercept Ream's pass out from the back, Palmer collected possession, played Broja through and watched as Ream's attempted tackle only struck his opponent and rebounded in to the goal.

For Fulham it felt like a hammer goal. Blown away in 82 seconds. For Chelsea it felt like the start of their season and for Palmer the beginning of what may become quite some career at Stamford Bridge.

Bought for £40m from their rivals in Manchester, his was one of the most eyebrow raising transfers of the summer window. City are piled high with great footballers. The champions will doubtless cope without this one. For Chelsea, though, he may well be a transformative signing.

The London club has lost so much talent recently that it is heartening to see a player so exciting – and indeed so English – coming the other way. On this evidence Palmer lacks neither ability or confidence. He moves the ball beautifully, has a change of pace and can play off either foot. He also looks as though he wants to score goals which not all modern midfielders do.

Here there were to be no more goals for Chelsea and indeed Mudryk didn't appear for the second half, presumably injured. There was never any sense Chelsea would lose their control, though.

Fulham enjoyed much more possession in the second half. Substitute Carlos Vinicius gave them a presence even though he seemed slightly lucky to stay on after clumping Thiago Silva round the back of the head.

And while Sanchez needed to produce that save at the end from Lukic, Chelsea had by then struck a post through Mudryk's replacement Ian Maatsen. Enzo Fernandez may have rammed home the rebound only for Leno to advance and block well.

This was not easy for Chelsea but it was comfortable and that may well have surprised them. Fulham's supporters stayed behind at the end to clap their team off. They will have better days here.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12586185/Fulham-0-2-Chelsea-Mykhailo-Mudryk-Armando-Broja-strike-one-minute-apart-Mauricio-Pochettinos-men-finally-cutting-edge.html

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Chelsea player ratings as Mykhailo Mudryk and Moises Caicedo shine, Broja nets and Disasi solid
Goals from Armando Broja and Mykhhailo Mudryk ensured Chelsea earned their second Premier League win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage

Chelsea came away from Craven Cottage with a 2-0 victory over Fulham, and hinted at what they could achieve under Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues are still without a number of injured stars, and the suspended Malo Gusto and Nicolas Jackson but found a way past their west London rivals after an outstanding first half.

Goals from Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja saw Chelsea surpass their September Premier League tally, as the Blues' midfield three of Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez dominated proceedings. Both of Pochettino's had to be replaced as the game went on, and Chelsea's tempo slowed as the match progressed, but the three points will be seen as major step moving forwards.

football.london rate the players who delivered Chelsea's second win of thhe season.

Robert Sanchez - Did not have too much work to do but saved when required. 6.

Marc Cucurella - With Malo Gusto still suspended and Reece James not yet fit, Cucurella continued at right back following a decent performance versus Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Outside of a blatant yellow card, the Spaniard was once again very solid and pretty much untroubled. 7.

Thiago Silva - A solid night for the Brazilian whe showed some smart passing in his build up play. 6.

Levi Colwill - It was a return to the left side of defence for Colwill following Ben Chilwell's injury and he certainly showed he could provide an impact in advanced position. His spectacular, curling ball found Mykhalo Mudryk, who went on to open the scoring. 7.

Moises Caicedo - An exciting performance from the Ecuador international who combined very well with Enzo Fernandez and produced something in every department. 8.

Conor Gallagher - Chelsea's captain was fielded in a more advanced position in Chelsea's midfield press and performed well, and even exchanged positions with Cole Palmer on occasion. The system overall looked to suit Chelsea's midfield trio, although they could not exert the same control in the second period. 7.

Enzo Fernandez - Looked so much more impactful in a deeper position near Caicedo as they combined with smart flicks and short passing. Once again was denied in front of goal from a good position but this was much more like the Fernandez Chelsea have grown accustomed to. 7.

Cole Palmer - The deadline day signing made his first Premier League start for Chelsea and featured predominantly on the right of a front three. The 21-year-old was again proved his ability to keep possession and find space with the ball, and provided the intelligence Chelsea require with his movement. Played an important pass to spark Armando Broja's goal. 7.

Armando Broja - The young Albania made his first start for the Blues this season having recovered from a long term ACL injury. It wasn't long before he created his first opportunity and showed composure and determination to fashion the chance and beat Bernd Leno, but blasted high and wide. By the time 20 minutes was on the clock, the Albania international had his first goal as Tim Ream's attempted clearance sent the ball to his foot. Plenty of endeavour during the hour or so he was on the pitch. 7.

Mykhailo Mudryk - The winger continues to keep faith of Mauricio Pochettino and he provided him with plenty of reason with his first Chelsea goal in the opening half. He showed the composure he has often lacked to take it down on his chest and to then slot it past Leno. Unfortunately was replaced at half time. 7.

Substitutes:
Ian Maatsen - Saw a promising strike hit the post but his defensive duties were tested more frequently as Fulam dominated possession. 6.

Raheem Sterling - Led Chelsea's forward line when he replaced Broja. Showed some flashed but had a limited impacted. 5.

Lesley Ugochukwu - Sat at the base of midfield as Chelsea looked to shore things up late on. 5.

Alex Matos - N/A

Noni Madueke - N/A.



https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-player-ratings-mykhailo-mudryk-27829778

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Mudryk and Broja end Chelsea goal drought in 2-0 win at Fulham
LONDON, Oct 2 (Reuters) - Chelsea finally found the net as they won 2-0 at neighbours Fulham in the Premier League on Monday with Mykhailo Mudryk scoring his first goal for the Blues and Armando Broja also on target as he celebrated his full return from injury.

Mauricio Pochettino's hugely expensive, new-look side had failed to score in each of their previous three league games and had notched up only five goals in six top-flight matches this season before their visit to Craven Cottage.

However, in the space of two first-half minutes they seized control of the West London derby.

In the 18th, Ukraine winger Mudryk chested down a cross from Levi Colwill and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Bernd Leno before poor defending by the hosts allowed Broja to double the lead a minute later.

It was Mudryk's first goal since signing for Chelsea nine months ago while Broja - replacing the suspended Nicolas Jackson - was making his first start since sustaining a knee injury at the end of 2022.

"It's an unbelievable feeling. It's been a long time coming," Broja told talkSPORT about his goal.

"We are gelling as a team. It's not going to happen overnight ... It's important for us to have that time and to keep progressing as a team."

Ian Maatsen - who came off the bench at halftime after Mudryk picked up an injury - almost made it three for Chelsea when he hit the post in the 62nd minute, with the visitors cruising to only their second league win of the season.

The result pushed Chelsea up to 11th spot with eight points, leapfrogging Fulham, who are 13th, on goal difference.

"The performance was fantastic - too many good things, very positive things. We need to keep working, keep believing," said a relieved Pochettino.

"The belief was there ... and the team today in the end got what we wanted. Now it's about being ruthless and working really hard and finding better solutions."

Pochettino played down worries that Broja, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez might have picked up fresh injuries - with several other key players already sidelined - but he said Mudryk had felt a problem in his thigh at the end of the first half.

Fulham coach Marco Silva lamented what he said were soft goals his side had offered up to the visitors.

"It created a really difficult scenario for us and the perfect one for Chelsea," he noted.

The Portuguese dismissed suggestions his team were missing the firepower of Serbia forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, who joined Saudi club Al-Hilal in August, saying he was only focused on his current crop of players.

"Of course we have to keep working," Silva added. "We have to be more effective. We have to decide better."



https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/chelsea-end-goal-drought-beat-fulham-2-0-2023-10-02/?rpc=401&;

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Fulham player ratings vs Chelsea: Tim Ream punished in defensive meltdown with Alex Iwobi lone bright spark

Fulham fell two places below Chelsea in the Premier League table despite starting the day three spots above them, as they were defeated 2-0 by the Blues at Craven Cottage.

Two goals in two minutes, scored by Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja, meant Fulham had a mountain to climb after just 20 minutes of action on Monday night.

Despite an improved second-half display in which they kept possession much better, their first-half defensive errors cost them dearly as Chelsea held on for victory.

Dom Smith was at Craven Cottage to rate the Fulham players' performances.

Fulham ratings
Bernd Leno — 5

Beaten by two quick-fire Chelsea goals, and way, way too slow to distribute the ball once Chelsea were leading.

Timothy Castagne — 5

His attacking qualities are never in doubt, no matter which flank he is stationed on, but got nowhere near close enough to Levi Colwill as he crossed for Mudryk to give Chelsea the lead.

Issa Diop — 5

Mistimed his leap as Chelsea profited to score the opener, and was positionally poor.

Tim Ream — 4

The second goal was entirely Ream's fault. He kicked the ball straight at Cole Palmer, then booted it against Broja and in when lucky to get it back. Poor.

Antonee Robinson — 5

Was too easily pressed into making errors. An excellent left-back, but not one of his better performances.

Harrison Reed — 6

As good as any Fulham player in midfield. Not at fault for this defeat, and his passing remained crisp and accurate throughout.

Joao Palhinha — 6

Industrious as always, but crowded out by Chelsea's high-intensity midfield.

Harry Wilson — 6

Played positively, and was unlucky to be hauled off with just nine minutes of the second half played.

Andreas Pereira — 5

Tried to get Fulham moving, but was bullied off the ball and lost it too often. Booked.

Willian — 6

Fulham's brightest attacker on a pretty dark day for them. Had a few nice dribbles but no luck against his former club.

Raul Jimenez — 5

Held the ball up well again, but still the wait goes on for his first Fulham goal. Replaced on 53 minutes.

Subs

Carlos Vinicius (Jimenez, 53') — 6

Got very involved in the match as Fulham improved in the second half, without threatening to score.

Alex Iwobi (Wilson, 54') — 7

Fulham's best player on the night came off the bench — perhaps that says it all.

Tom Cairney (Reed, 65') — 6

Impactful when brought into the fray, nearly assisting Lukic who struck at Robert Sanchez.

Sasa Lukic (Pereira, 75') — N/A

Subs not used: Rodak, Bassey, Ballo-Toure, Lukic, De Cordova-Reid, Muniz



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-player-ratings-chelsea-fc-ream-iwobi-b1110897.html

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Fulham self-sabotage against Chelsea with sloppiness so costly in defensive meltdown
Marco Silva's side only have themselves to blame after conceding two dreadful goals in the space of just 82 seconds

Perhaps Fulham simply faced Chelsea on the night that things were always destined to click into gear for Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Or perhaps Fulham should accept rather more blame than that. Perhaps they were doing a perfectly adequate job of keeping their high-intensity visitors at bay for the first 18 minutes, before conceding two defensively poor goals in the space of two minutes — allowing Chelsea to stroll to victory.

As bleak as the second version of reality may appear, it is this version which Fulham's disgruntled home support were buying into. And manager Marco Silva, ever the constructive critic, will have been similarly disappointed with quite how easily his side self-sabotaged their odds of collecting a result here.

After two successive clean sheets in the Premier League, they were brought back down to earth in the space of 82 seconds at Craven Cottage.

First Timothy Castagne did not close Levi Colwill down, allowing the England defender to cross for Mykhailo Mudryk's first goal in a Chelsea shirt.

Then Tim Ream passed the ball into Cole Palmer's path, was gifted it back, but booted it against Armando Broja's foot, and stared at the turf in humiliation as it crashed past Bernd Leno.

Those individual errors were inexplicable, unexplainable, unacceptable. As the thunder and lightning rumbled and sparked in the distance, Fulham were enduring one of their worst halves of football for quite some time.

To their credit, they rallied at the break and returned a much better and more cohesive side than they finished the first half. But the thing about conceding twice in two minutes in the Premier League is that it gives you a mountain to climb.

And, indeed, it proved a Sisyphean task for Silva's side. No matter how many chances they created — and they did — they had left themselves with too much work to do.

Robert Sanchez denied Sasa Lukic and Willian, just as Fulham had earlier denied themselves the chance to pick up a result here. Sloppiness is costly.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-chelsea-fc-defensive-meltdown-b1110903.html

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Fulham player ratings from 2-0 west London derby defeat against Chelsea – low scores as attack struggles to make a dent
Fulham took four points off Chelsea in the 2022-23 Premier League season but the first meeting between the two clubs in the new campaign did not go to plan – as the hosts went down 2-0 at Craven Cottage.

Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja scored for the visitors.

Here are Richard Cawley's player ratings.

Bernd Leno – 6

The German keeper has rescued the Whites on plenty of occasions since joining from Arsenal but had no chance with either of Chelsea's goals. Looked to be the one who got a telling touch to deny Enzo Fernandes making it 3-0.

Timothy Castagne – 6

Got forward more aggressively in the second half, helped by some accurate diagonal passes. But the quality in terms of crossing did not match some of his energetic forays. Would have been happy to see the pacey Mudryk make way at the start of the second half for Ian Maatsen. It allowed the Belgian international to release some of his defensive shackles. Had 96 touches, only Issa Diop (102) having more.

Issa Diop – 5

An early slide tackle on Mudryk was encouraging but plenty of Chelsea's more dangerous attacks came when Fulham's centre-backs produced poor distribution. Was unable to cut out Levi Colwill's cross which was finished smartly by Mudryk for the Chelsea opener.

Tim Ream – 4

The American was at fault for the Blues' second goal. I talked above about the away team seizing on lapses and the defender's pass was picked off by Cole Palmer in a threatening position. Ream's attempt to redeem himself saw him kick the ball against Armando Broja, with it rebounding past Bernd Leno. Ream's passing was shaky at times, and sometimes when he was not even under serious pressure.

Antonee Robinson – 5

Had his hands full with Cole Palmer, particularly in the first 45 minutes. The Chelsea youngster worked hard to close the left-back down. He did produce a few more of his trademark bursts forward in the second half but, just like with Castagne, there wasn't that killer pass. One goal for Fulham and it could have made things nervy for a Chelsea side which has made an unimpressive start to the season. Made six interceptions – the most of any player on the pitch.

Joao Palhinha – 5

Both of the Whites' deeper-lying midfielders struggled to dominate – no surprise when up against a high-quality Blues trio of Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo. It was noticeable that the tireless Gallagher stuck to the Portuguese when Fulham were in possession. Made the joint-most attempted tackles in the match along with Gallagher.

Harrison Reed – 4

Made only 26 passes before he was replaced in the 64th minute by Tom Cairney.

Andreas Pereira – 4

Set-pieces were not really on point from the Brazilian – aside for one met by Raul Jimenez – and in a match where Fulham did not fashion loads of chances, it was a missed opportunity to ask more questions of a largely untroubled Chelsea backline. Subbed in the 74th minute.

Harry Wilson – 4

Did not make any kind on notes on the Wales international before he made way early in the second half for Alex Iwobi.

Willian – 5

Marc Cucurella was booked after the Brazilian shifted the ball past him, denying a Fulham break down the right in the first half. Did produce a 20-yard shot straight at Robert Sanchez, one of Fulham's three attempts on target.

Raul Jimenez – 4

Managed to get his head to a Pereira corner but it dropped fairly comfortably wide of Robert Sanchez's right post. The Mexican's Premier League goal drought continues and he was replaced by Carlos Vinicius just seven minutes into the second period. Failed to provide a focal point for Fulham attacks. Had just 16 touches. Fulham's inability to secure an adequate replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic is going to make things a real grind.

SUBS

Marek Rodak – N/A

Calvin Bassey – N/A

Fode Ballo-Toure – N/A

Sasa Lukic – 5

Had a huge chance to cut the deficit in the 76th from Cairney's pass but his shot was too close to Sanchez, who kept the attempt out with his left leg.

Tom Cairney – 5

Quality pass to open up the opportunity for Lukic.

Bobby Decordova-Reid – N/A

Alex Iwobi – 6

The recent signing from Everton did add extra energy and a touch more dynamism. Had a shot blocked.

Rodrigo Muniz – N/A

Carlos Vinicius – 5

Booked for a karate-style chop to the back of Tiago Silva. Did win a couple of headers in the box but they looped harmlessly away from danger.



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/fulham-player-ratings-from-2-0-west-london-derby-defeat-against-chelsea-low-scores-as-attack-struggles-to-make-a-dent/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva laments 'passive' Fulham with defensive improvements needed after Chelsea errors
Cottagers boss pleased with second-half response in west London derby, but the damage had already been done

Marco Silva says he will analyse with his defenders the individual errors that cost Fulham in their 2-0 defeat by Chelsea.

Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja scored a quick-fire double in the first half to put the Blues into a commanding west London derby lead which their hosts were not able to overcome despite an improved second-half performance.

The result left Fulham in 13th place in the Premier League table, with the Cottagers having collected eight points from their first seven games of the season.

"Disappointing result for us", Silva admitted afterwards. "They started from the first moment winning some balls that gave them the boost they needed.

"We were too passive, the way we reacted to that cross from [Levi] Colwill. The quality they have on the ball, they were much more confident from that moment.

"We have to be defending our box with our two central defenders much better — that is clear for me. They can make mistakes. It's up to us to work with them, to analyse with them why we lost this game."

Fulham did improve in the second half against Chelsea, but the errors they made in the first period proved the deciding factor on a difficult night for Silva's side at Craven Cottage.

"The second half was better", he reflected. "We had much more of the ball second half. Most of the times when they got into certain areas, they made good decisions. That was the biggest difference.

"We were more brave, more aggressive - on and off the ball. We were much better. We were much more on the front foot.

"This is our way to play, it's the way we want to play, and it was much more ourselves second half than the first."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-fulham-chelsea-fc-b1110907.html

[WhiteJC]

Mudryk ends Chelsea's barren run
The contrast between January's euphoria and October's desolation was stark. Where Fulham were all hustle and bustle in the new year and put their local rivals on the back foot from the outset on their way to a rare success in the SW6 derby, this was just the sort of stroll that beleaguered Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino would have ordered. Chelsea registered their first Premier League win since August without breaking sweat – scoring twice in 82 seconds – and there was even a first goal for Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk.

The £88.5m man took his goal splendidly in the eighteenth minute, by which time the Blues could have bene well in front. The visitors made light of missing eleven first-team players through injury and suspension with Mudryk showing the pace that had made him such a hot property last year – beating Timothy Castagne at will along the left flank in the early stages, even if his early sighters proved a little wayward.

But he brilliantly controlled a glorious closs from Levi Colwill and drilled past Bernd Leno to end both his own goal drought since moving to Stamford Bridge from Shakhtar Donetsk in January and Chelsea's long wait for a league goal – which stretched back to August 25 against lowly Luton Town. But like London buses, another arrived immediately afterwards. Armando Broja was the beneficiary of Tim Ream's attempted tackle as the American veteran sought to make amends for presenting the ball straight to Palmer and the surprise starter bundled in a second just twenty seconds after Fulham had kicked off a goal behind.

The double blow sucked the life out of a derby that Pochettino's side had controlled with an assurance that has been missing on his return to English football. They were helped by imperious performances from Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandes, whilst Conor Gallagher and the prominent Cole Palmer were able to play through Fulham's lacklustre press at will. The home side's football was pedestrian, with their only chances before the half-time whistle coming from set pieces. Raul Jimenez headed an Andreas Pereira corner over the bar on the stretch with his only opportunity of the evening.

Fulham improved briefly once Alex Iwobi and Carlos Vincius were introduced from the bench. The Nigerian international almost immediately volleyed into the turf at the back post having been found by a floated cross from Willian before Vinicius headed tamely at goal as Fulham's flurry rather petered out. Their clearest chance came when Sasa Lukic was teed up by Tom Cairney's teasing pass but the Serbian substitute shot straight at Robert Sanchez.

Marco Silva's side arguably paid the penalty for paying Chelsea, who started the evening in fifteenth place, far too much respect. They had barely made an impression on their opposition before the visitors put together their first flowing passing move with Mudryk to the fore. The 22 year-old winger looked dangerous whenever he had the ball at his feet and the fluidity of the movement between Palmer, Gallagher, Fernandez and Broja posed the home defence all sorts of problems. Just as concerning for Silva will be Fulham's struggles at the other end of the pitch – they look horribly harmless having lost the services of Aleksandar Mitrovic.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, A. Robinson, Diop, Ream; Palhinha, Reed (Cairney 65); Wilson (Iwobi 54), Willian, Pereira (Lukic 75); Jimenez (Vinicius 53). Subs (not used): Rodak, Ballo-Toure, Bassey, Decordova-Reid, Muniz.

BOOKED: Pereira.

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Cucurella, Colwill, Disasi, Silva; Caicedo (Madueke 90+6), Gallagher; Palmer (Ugochukwu 78), Mudryk (Maatsen 45), Fernandez (Matos 90+5); Broja (Sterling 65). Subs (not used): Petrovic, Washington, Gilchrist, Brooking.

BOOKED: Cucurella, Palmer, Sterling, Sanchez.

GOALS: Mudryk (18), Broja (19).

REFEREE: Tim Robinson (West Sussex).

ATTENDANCE: 24,445.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/10/mudryk-ends-chelseas-barren-run/

[WhiteJC]

Silva: We weren't aggressive enough
Marco Silva felt his Fulham side were not aggressive enough as Chelsea eased to victory in the SW6 derby tonight.

The Blues scored their first Premier League goals since August as Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja scored twice in the space of a minute to seal a comfortable win to ease any pressure on Mauricio Pochettino but Silva told his post-match press conference that his side were well below the standards they had set last season.

"Our first half was not aggressive enough on and off the ball, too flat in some moments, too passive in some moments as well. Even so, the game was balanced until the moment they scored the first goal. We were too passive in the way we reacted to that cross from (Levi) Colwill in that situation and after that we were punished by another mistake from ourselves. The quality they have on the ball, of course they were much more confident from that moment.

Our second half was better. We have created two clear chances and we have to score on one of those. The chance from Alex Iwobi and then a massive one from Saša Luki? in the six-yard box to make it 2-1, boost the crowd and go for the game again. We had much more of the ball, the biggest difference was most of the time they decided well and created the chances. So many times in certain areas our decision was not the best."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/10/silva-we-werent-aggressive-enough/