Friday Fulham Stuff - 27/12/24

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Results

Thursday 26/12
Man City	1-1	Everton
Bournemouth	0-0	Palace
Chelsea	1-2	Fulham
		Wilson Muniz
Newcastle	3-0	Villa
Forest	1-0	Spurs
Southampton	0-1	West Ham
Wolves	2-0	Man Utd
Liverpool	3-1	Leicester

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Chelsea 1-2 Fulham
Substitute Rodrigo Muniz scored the winner late into six minutes of stoppage time as Fulham staged a magnificent comeback to stun Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea looked to be maintaining the pressure on Premier League pace-setters Liverpool as they defended a lead given to them by Cole Palmer's smooth 16th-minute strike.

Fulham, however, never took a backward step and were rewarded in the most dramatic fashion with two late goals as Chelsea's title aspirations suffered a serious setback.

Marco Silva's Fulham substitutions worked to perfection, first when Harry Wilson headed the equaliser after 82 minutes before Muniz steered a low finish past Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez in the 95th minute.

Chelsea were never comfortable, even after Palmer's strike which was his 26th Premier League goal in the calendar year, breaking the Chelsea record set by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in 2001.

Fulham were relentless in pursuit of at least a point and got full value for their ambition, securing their first win at Stamford Bridge in 45 years.

Marco Silva works his magic again
Marco Silva's superb work at Fulham has been illustrated by the manner in which they earned fully deserved draws at home to Arsenal and away at Liverpool in recent weeks.

Fulham are a potent combination of quality, energy and relentless ambition and that was all on show here as they were undaunted by going behind to Palmer's superb early strike.

It was no surprise when Wilson equalised, Fulham then preying on Chelsea's growing anxiety to snatch that late winner from Muniz.

Silva raced down the touchline to celebrate with his backroom staff, the Portuguese manager's positive attitude and coaching acumen central to this superb performance.

Fulham keeper Leno played his part, with crucial saves from Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez either side of the break - as well as keeping Chelsea out in a frantic late goalmouth scramble.

This was no Fulham rearguard action, however.

Chelsea keeper Sanchez plunged bravely at the feet of Antonee Robinson as the Fulham left-back looked poised to equalise.

Fulham did not have long to wait for Wilson's equaliser, at the Wales midfielder made the sort of late impact he has perfected this season as exemplified with two goals in the similar late turnaround win against Brentford at Craven Cottage.

Muniz's winner sparked ecstatic scenes among Fulham's players and supporters - and no-one can begrudge them the celebration on this evidence.

Palmer's brilliance fails to save Chelsea
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has always said Premier League title talk was premature, even as they emerged as Liverpool's closest challengers in recent weeks.

If this was proof that the Italian being realistic, it came as part of a very painful experience with Chelsea going from contemplating closing in on Liverpool to sifting through the wreckage of a damaging loss after a dramatic finale at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca can point to Cucurella's first-half header, which the Spanish defender directed straight at Leno when he should have scored and then the keeper's acrobatic stop from Fernandez.

However, this was a Chelsea display that lacked ideas and creation.

Palmer, as usual, made his contribution with a goal but it was a rare highlight in a flat Chelsea performance, with most of the drive coming from Fulham after the break.

Maresca was accused of expectation management as he tried to take Chelsea out of the Premier League title conversation. There is still hope - but this was the sort of result and performance that acts as brutal reality check and suggests he may have been right all along.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/crl32l5l0r5t

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Post-Chelsea Press Conference
Marco Silva was satisfied that his side deserved three points after Fulham's dramatic derby day win over Chelsea.

Second-half goals from Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz handed the Whites their first victory at Stamford Bridge in 45 years.

"I really believe that we deserved the three points against a tough side," Marco said.

"The way we built from the back was difficult for them to press, I think we beat their first pressure almost always."

"Conceding an early goal of course is not easy. I think first 20 minutes we gave too much space to Cole Palmer. The first goal, the goal they scored, is a good example.

"I think throughout the first-half we improved that situation, we started to control a little better.

"And second-half was different, the reaction was top from ourselves. We had much more composure on the counter-attack."

The gaffer named five changes to his starting line-up following injuries and suspensions to some of Fulham's most dependable performers.

"This afternoon we were without four or five key players for us – that is the reality. We decided to go in a different direction but it shows the way we have been growing. The group is responding really well.

"For us it represents many things, but it's much more for our fans really. They deserve the feeling they have right now. Let's hope they can keep supporting us and we can keep giving this happiness to them."

The memorable three points keeps up Fulham's impressive record this season in London derbies, and stretches their unbeaten run to six games.

"It's been great. From the beginning of December we played away from home against Tottenham, against Liverpool, now against Chelsea. We played against Arsenal at home and our unbeaten run keeps going which of course was the aim for us.

"At the end of the day, it's all about connections and we want to give this happiness to our fans who came here. The next few days will be a great feeling for them."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/december/26/post-chelsea-press-conference/

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Fulham pull off late comeback to stun Chelsea
Rodrigo Muniz's stoppage-time goal dramatically gave Fulham their first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979.

Chelsea lead through Cole Palmer's first-half goal until substitute Harry Wilson equalised on 83 minutes.

And Muniz, another of Marco Silva's substitutes, scored a winner to stun the home fans.

Palmer's 12th Premier League goal of the season was a moment of pure class.

Halfway inside the Fulham half and with his back to goal, Palmer collected Levi Colwill's pass, turned, effortlessly evaded two challenges and then placed the ball through Whites defender Issa Diop's legs and past Bernd Leno.

Keeper Leno kept out Marc Cucurella's header before the interval and did superbly to tip over Enzo Fernandez's strike early in the second half.

At the other end, Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez denied Antonee Robinson at the far post.

But Sanchez was unable to prevent Wilson scoring Fulham's first goal at the Bridge for 13 years.

Timothy Castagne headed Robinson's cross down towards Wilson, who netted from close range.

Chelsea felt Pedro Neto was fouled by Alex Iwobi in the build-up. But, after a VAR check, the goal stood.

And in the final stages, Sasa Lukic squared for Muniz to score a dramatic winner.
Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson (Nkunku 73).
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Jorgensen, Acheampong, Disasi, Casadei, George, Felix, Guiu.

Fulham: Leno, Castagne, Andersen, Diop, Bassey, Robinson, Lukic, Pereira (Cairney 73), Traore (Wilson 67), Jimenez (Muniz 73), Iwobi (Sessegnon 90).
Subs not used: Benda, Cuenca, King, Godo, Vinicius.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/chelsea-v-fulham-report-26122024

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Chelsea 1-2 Fulham: Cottagers stage stunning late comeback with goals from Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz to deal major blow to Blues' Premier League title hopes

    Cole Palmer opened the scoring for Chelsea with a fine finish in the 16th minute
    The Cottagers grabbed first Premier League win at Stamford Bridge late on

English football had fixed its eyes on Stamford Bridge to salute its Man of the Year but its homage to Cole Palmer was ambushed by a stunning late fightback that gave Fulham their first win at the home of Chelsea since 1979.

Palmer scored a stunning opener that seemed, for more than 80 minutes, as though it had won the game but late goals from substitutes Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz handed Chelsea their first league defeat since October 20

This 2-1 loss, after nine games without defeat, put a massive dent in their title challenge and handed the initiative even more decisively to Arne Slot's Liverpool side. The truth is that Chelsea look overly reliant on Palmer's creative spark. When he did not fire in the second half, Fulham were much the better team.

Let us not deny Palmer his moment, though. It was a goal to light up the finest Boxing Day traditions. If you know how good Palmer is, how special he is, then you could see it coming even amidst the desert of caution and carelessness that had marked the first quarter of an hour.

Levi Colwill advanced with the ball inside the Fulham half and saw that Palmer had drifted into a few feet of space. Colwill played the ball into him and Palmer took it on the half-turn and set off for goal. The rest felt inevitable.

Palmer slipped past the challenge of Andreas Perreira and then evaded the challenge of Sasa Lukic as he tried in vain to dispossess him. Palmer never looked less than composed or less than sure he was about to score.

The sizeable obstacle of Issa Diop now stood between him and the goal but Palmer was not deterred. He stroked the ball through Diop's legs as coolly and as calmly as if he were making a short pass in training. The ball was struck so cleanly and so accurately that it rolled past Bernd Leno's helpless dive.

'Cole Palmer has just scored a worldie,' the watching Paul Merson said in a television studio and Merson should know. He scored a few of them himself once upon time and now he was sharing in the excitement of the flowering of another talent.

It meant Palmer had scored 26 Premier League goals in 2024, level with Erling Haaland. His strike broke the Chelsea record for a calendar year, set by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in 2001. It is quite a feat for a player who has also chalked up 51 goals and assists in 51 Chelsea appearances.

Fulham were not without their chances. Raul Jiminez dragged a shot wide when he was in a good position and Calvin Bassey brought a superb save out of Robert Sanchez when he jinked into the box and drilled in a low, fierce drive that Sanchez got down to fast.

Chelsea should have doubled their lead ten minutes before half time when Enzo Fernandez curled a free kick into the box. Marc Cucurella flung himself at it but directed his header straight at Leno, who pushed it out to safety. A yard either side of him and it was a certain goal.

Leno kept Chelsea out again three minutes after the break when he produced a fine finger-tip save to deny Fernandez and midway through the half, as Fulham enjoyed a spell of superiority, the visitors should have equalised.

They broke quickly down the right through Adama Traore and when his cross found Antonee Robinson unmarked at the far post, Robinson should have taken the chance first time on the volley. Instead, he tried to control it, his first touch let him down and Sanchez blocked his shot.

But Fulham would not be denied. They were the better team for much of the second half and, in the end, Chelsea paid for what looked suspiciously like a touch of complacency when Marco Silva's side levelled things up eight minutes from time.

Pedro Neto tried to body-check Alex Iwobi as Iwobi took the ball past him on the Fulham left. Iwobi shrugged off the challenge and Neto collapsed to the ground theatrically, clutching his face. It always looked like a fanciful and fruitless appeal. He had simply lost a fair challenge that he had initiated.

Iwobi slipped a pass through to Robinson and the full back drifted a cross to the back post where Timothy Castagne headed it back across goal.

The Chelsea defence stood stock still and substitute Harry Wilson stole in behind them to glance in a header at point blank range that kissed the post on its way into the net.

Chelsea could not turn the tide and it was not a surprise when Fulham snatched a late winner five minutes into added timer. Sanchez hoofed an aimless clearance just beyond the half-way line but Fulham seized on the loose ball and when they broke and found Muniz at the back post, his finish was unerring.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14227569/Chelsea-1-2-Fulham-Cottagers-stage-stunning-late-comeback-goals-Harry-Wilson-Rodrigo-Muniz-deal-major-blow-Blues-Premier-League-title-hopes.html

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Chelsea's title hopes in tatters as Rodrigo Muniz makes Fulham history - 5 talking points
CHELSEA 1-2 FULHAM: Rodrigo Muniz came off the bench to score a last-gasp winner for Fulham as Chelsea paid price for sloppy second half after Cole Palmer had given Enzo Maresca's team the lead

 Rodrigo Muniz dealt a massive blow to Chelsea's title hopes by earning Fulham a first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979.

Cole Palmer produced another stunning goal to put Enzo Maresca's team in front only for Chelsea to be pegged back by the impressive Cottagers. Marco Silva's side produced an excellent second period with Harry Wilson equalising and they deserved just about deserved their win against their neighbours, whose Boxing Day record in London derbies over the past 40 years now reads two wins, five draws and five defeats.

And the shock loss leaves Chelsea four points behind leaders Liverpool with two games extra played, while Fulham are up to eighth spot on 28 points.

Here are the talking points from an entertaining encounter at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer delight
Even by Cole Palmer's lofty standards this was a special goal from the most exciting England player around right now.

Receiving possession from Levi Colwill with his back to goal 35 yards out, he turned and shimmied his way past three Fulham players before casually side-footing the ball between Issa Diop's legs and into the bottom left corner.

Few can marry such nonchalance with devastating effectiveness. And again you're left wondering what Pep Guardiola makes of all this.

Fantastic Fulham
Marco Silva's team are competent in every area of the pitch and in every fixture they execute their gameplan well.

And this win, a first at Stamford Bridge since 1979 has added to a recent share of the spoils with Liverpool and Arsenal, plus Tottenham.

They were brave, daring and really deserved this win. Bernd Leno made some impressive saves, they defended well and battled smartly in midfield while having more possession and shots.

Title talk quietened
Enzo Maresca's insistence that Chelsea should not be considered title contenders because they are "not ready" is beginning to seem much more than mind games in the past 11 days since he disputed that fact following the scratchy win against Brentford.

For all the undoubted promise they have made under the Italian there remains something unconvincing about their performances and they have now dropped five points in the past two games.

This was another match in which they created enough to be well clear by the break only to then allow their opponents way too many opportunities to get back into the game.

The defence and Robert Sanchez's kicking remain two of the most glaring issues and there is still plenty to prove if they are to match the consistency of Liverpool.

Raving about Robinson
At some point in every season there becomes a point where a ranking takes place of the best players outside of the "big six."

So far this season it is hard to think of a defender who deserves a nomination more than Antonee Robinson.

But are we reaching a point where the United States star is indeed the best left back in the entire league? It has been a problem position for most of the top sides and it already feels inevitable that a big-money offer will be arriving at some point soon.

He got forward at every opportunity here, while also doing his defensive duties without much trouble, and provided the cross that led to Harry Wilson's late leveller.

Chelsea's best front four?
Enzo Maresca has chopped and changed in pursuit of the right attacking formula, while ensuring he can keep his stars as fresh as possible.

But the front four that began this one appears to be his strongest. Palmer at No10 is among the most obvious selections in the entire league, of course, while Nicolas Jackson in front of him has done a rather good job at confirming himself as the first-choice centre-forward, leaving Christopher Nkunku among those frustrated on the bench.

Yet Maresca has also now appeared to have found the right balance out wide with Pedro Neto used on the right instead of left flank, with Jadon Sancho the best option on the opposite side. This was not Chelsea at their free-flowing best and neither Sancho nor Neto produced much to add to a YouTube compilation.

But looking at the bigger picture this is the quartet that seems to be their best.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/chelsea-vs-fulham-match-highlights-34378526

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Fulham snatch late, late winner as Chelsea crash 2-1 in Boxing Day thriller at Stamford Bidge
Chelsea v Fulham

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Fulham fully deserved their snatch and grab three points, coming from behind to win a Boxing Day derby thriller 2-1 at Stamford Bridge – their first since 1979.

The self-fulling prophecy of Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca that his charges won't challenge for the title was clearly evident.

Taking the lead and with a number of changes to increase the scoreline, The Blues simply sat back, tired and failed to negotiate the tactical changes of Fulham boss Marco Silva.

The late, late winner from substitute Rodrigo Muniz – five minutes into added time, was proof that clinical application will outshine technical superiority from the opposition.

Chelsea stay second in the league but if Maresca has his way they won't be there for long.

Fulham are eight.

After a tepid opening 10 minutes, with whatever intensity Chelsea could muster, Fulham absorbed it with ease, Jadon Sancho cut loose on the left, a lovely clipped in-curling right-footed foxed the Fulham defence but Malo Gusto, at the far post, could not reach the ball.

After a quick break by the boys from the other end of Fulham Road, Raul Jimenez got their first shot, on target, on 15 minutes. His fine, drive, easily held by Robert Sanchez.

But the deadlock was broken a minute later and it was from that impish performer named Cole Palmer.

Picking the ball up in the Fulham half, he jinked forward, dipped his shoulder as if to go one way, but stayed on course, and when at the limit of the Fulham area, casually stroked home a low, left-footer past Bernd Leno, to give the Blues the lead.#

If Fulham were to score, it probably will come from thee boot of Jimenez. On 20 minutes he raced into the Chelsea area, on the right, but screwed his shot wide of Sanchez's right post. A good chance missed.

Palmer had another couple of curlers, on target, but nothing to trouble Leno.

Andreas Pereira, on 22 minutes had space 25 yards out. Tempted to shoot, he did, but the ball ended up deep in the Matthew Harding stand behind then Chelsea goal.

Left back Calvin Bassey went off on a run on the left, on 26 minutes, and a bit like Forrest Gump, just kept on running. Then Chelsea defence ere bemused as he arrowed in tom their area and let fly with a powerful left-footer, on target too.

Sanchez snaffled the ball low on the pitch.

Leno produced a wonder save to thwart Marc Cucurella on 35 minutes.

A regulation Enzo free kick saw the Spain defender free on the six yard box, and he produced a fine diving header, but Leno was quick to react and managed to parry the goal-bound effort wide and the ball was eventually cleared to safety.

There were no changes by either side at half-time.

Leno produced a wonder save minutes after the restart, a thunderbolt from Enzo seemed destined for the top corner, but the stopper's outstretched arm tipped the ball spectacularly away.

An offside seconds later denied number two when Levi Colwill nodded home. VAR easily confirmed the infringement.

An excellent Alex Iwobi angled effort was inches wide of Sanchez's right post as the visitors pushed forward for an equaliser.

Quite how Fulham did not deliver on that is anyone's guess. When following a quick break which saw Adama free on the right to zip down the line.

His inch-perfect deep cross was met by an unmarked Antonee Robinson, who instead of hitting the ball first time, took a touch allowing Sanchez to react, who blocked the effort.

With Fulham sensing they may only have limited time to get the goal, they brought on attacker Harry Wilson for Adama.

Chelsea responded by bringing on Christopher Nkunku for Jackson, while Fulham then brought on Rodrigo Muniz and Tom Cairney – off went Pereira and Jimenez.

Muniz was unlucky with a header when a poor clearance from Colwill allowed Robinson to flight the perfect ball into the Chelsea area. Muniz rose the best but his downward header, was snatched by Sanchez.

Fulham got their deserved equaliser with eight minutes on the clock when after a quick break the ball fell invitingly to Timothy Castagne to nodded home from close range.

Leno produced yet another save to deny the Blues late on while Fulham sought to snatch a dramatic later winner.

With six minutes added, that only added to the impetus that either could be achieved.

Ryan Sessegnon got a run out at the expense of Iwobi.

Who would snatch it in the end – well it was Fulham. A quick break cut the tired Blues apart and with just Colwill left to defend the whole of the final third, it was so easy for Muniz to be picked out and he coolly slotted home past Sanchez.

Leno still had time for another acrobatic save to preserve the result.

Teams: Sanchez, Cucurella, Tosin, Colwill, Neto, Enzo, Jackson, Sancho, Palmer, Caicedo, Gusto

Subs: Jorgensen, Bettinelli, Disasi, Felix. Nkunku, Casadei, George, Acheampong, Guiu

Fulham: Leno, Bassey, Andersen, Jimenez, Adama, Iwobi, Pereira, Lukic, Castagne, Diop, Robinson

Subs: Benda, Wilson, Muniz, Cairney, Vinicius, Cuenca, King, Sessegnon, Godo



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/fulham-snatch-late-late-winner-as-chelsea-crash-2-1-in-boxing-day-thriller-at-stamford-bidge

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Chelsea 1-2 Fulham
Fulham won a sensational SW6 derby, beating Chelsea 2-1 with late goals from Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz.

Cole Palmer's first-half strike had seen their neighbours take the lead, but Marco Silva's men attacked relentlessly to seal three points at Stamford Bridge.

Both teams took a while to warm up on a nippy SW6 afternoon, with little to report from the opening ten. Bernd Leno claimed a hopeful Jadon Sancho clip into the box, while Alex Iwobi and Antonee Robinson sent in dangerous balls at the other end.

Raúl Jiménez had the first shot of the game when Iwobi found him on the edge of the box, but the Mexico international's instinctive touch and strike was dealt with by Robert Sánchez.

It was the home side who went ahead moments later when Palmer embarked on a mazy run through the midfield and placed the ball just out of Bernd Leno's reach.

The forward couldn't repeat the feat when he found time and space in the penalty area, Leno reading the effort well this time.

A low driven strike from Raúl that whistled past the far post proved Fulham's best chance of the half, although Andreas Pereira fired over when he also had a sight at goal.

The next attack came from an unlikely source, as Calvin Bassey marauded through the Chelsea defence, eventually being thwarted by Sánchez.

Fulham prevented further damage seconds before the half-time whistle, with a goal-saving tackle from Bassey stopping Palmer from doubling Chelsea's advantage.

Leno had to be alert after the break to tip Enzo Fernández's thumping effort over with his fingertips, and when Levi Colwill bundled home following Chelsea's next attack, the offside flag came to Fulham's rescue.

Kicking towards their noisy away following, Iwobi continued the frantic start to the second-half with a strike that curled just wide with Sánchez helpless.

Marco Silva's men had a great chance to level just after the hour mark when Adama Traoré found Jedi unmarked in the box, but Sánchez was quick off his line to make the block.

With quarter of an hour remaining, substitute Muniz got on the end of a Jedi cross, but Sánchez was equal to the striker's downward header.

A deserved equaliser finally came as Timothy Castagne headed a Jedi cross back across goal and Wilson nodded in to send the away end into raptures.

And there was still time for it to get even better, as Rodrigo Muniz was found in the middle and made no mistake to seal a win that will be as memorable as it was dramatic.

There's only one team in Fulham. 🤍
Chelsea: Sánchez, Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella, Fernández, Caicedo, Pedro Neto, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson (Nkunku 73')

Subs: Disasi, Jørgensen, Bettinelli, João Félix, Nkunku, Casadei, George, Acheampong, Guiu

Fulham FC: Leno, Castagne, Diop, Andersen, Bassey, Traoré (Wilson 67'), Andreas Pereira (Cairney 73'), Lukić, Iwobi (Sessegnon 92'), Robinson, Jiménez (Rodrigo Muniz 74')

Subs: Wilson, Rodrigo Muniz, Cairney, Carlos Vinícius, Cuenca, Benda, King, Sessegnon, Godo



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/december/26/cheful/

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Chelsea 1-2 Fulham: Blues stunned as Premier League title hopes take massive dent
The Blues could be seven points behind Liverpool tonight

Chelsea missed the chance to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table after being beaten at home by Fulham in the west London derby.

For a long time, Cole Palmer's sublime goal in the opening 15 minutes looked to be the difference between the two sides on Boxing Day, but Enzo Maresca's side conceded twice in the final 10 minutes to lose which means they remain four points behind Liverpool.

Making just one change to the side that started the goalless draw away at Everton before Christmas, the Italian tactician handed an immediate recall to Marc Cucurella following suspension as he replaced Axel Disasi in the Blues' defence.

The only real moment of quality in the first-half was produced by Palmer as he received the ball from Levi Colwill, wriggled past a couple of challenges before calmly stroking the ball into the back of the net.

Cucurella should have doubled the lead before the break as his header was saved by Bernd Leno before a fantastic block from Calvin Bassey in the final action of the half prevented Palmer from scoring.

Speaking of the Fulham goalkeeper, he produced a magnificent save to keep out Enzo Fernandez's shot right at the beginning of the second half and moments later Colwill had a goal, correctly, ruled out for offside.

From there, the visitors grew in confidence. Alex Iwobi fired a warning shot with an effort that whistled just past the post before Robert Sanchez rushed off his line to deny Antonee Robinson from close range.

However, when Fulham's equaliser did arrive, it was no more than they deserved as Harry Wilson managed to divert the ball into the net.

And with seconds remaining on the clock, another substitute in Rodrigo Muniz made an impact as he kept calm to complete the turnaround and secure Fulham's first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-vs-fulham-premier-league-2024-result-cole-palmer-enzo-maresca-b1201886.html

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Fulham halt Chelsea's title push after Muniz seals last-gasp comeback win
Perhaps there will be some debate around Fulham's equaliser after 82 minutes of this 2-1 derby win for Marco Silva's team at Stamford Bridge. Certainly Pedro Neto spent a long time prostrate clutching his jaw in performative agony after being caught by Alex Iwobi's shoulder as the Fulham man skated past a little too easily. Neto might be better served trying to tackle with his feet in future.

There was no debate about the winner, which arrived five minutes into added time, tucked in calmly by the substitute Rodrigo Muniz. And beyond that there was no real question Fulham deserved the victory, reward for an ambitious second-half display that left Silva and his bench writhing in a bobbing huddle on the touchline, and Fulham eighth in the table.

This was a day when Chelsea never seemed to have the deeper gears required to hold on to an early lead granted by Cole Palmer's sensational first-half goal. "When you cannot win it's important not to lose. We conceded too many transitions," Enzo Maresca said. "It became a basketball game and this is not good for us, we need control."

Defeat leaves Chelsea seven points off the top of the table, having played a game more than Liverpool who beat Leicester 3-1 later on Boxing Day. It is hardly a crisis. This was also a first defeat in 10 league games. But that run has never really felt like a title charge, more a title-curious stroll. Maresca keeps saying his team are not ready. On this evidence he has a fair point.

For the opening hour this was basically two games of football at once. On one hand the main feature, an energetic Premier League derby, the standard fight over space and small margins. And running alongside that a game of Palmer versus the world, those periodic leaps into hyperspace when Chelsea's playmaker takes the ball and decides to invent the game from a standing start.

There is still something Christmassy about this model of Chelsea, or at least quite Boxing Day. Here they are surrounded by shiny new plastic stuff, a little dazed and over-gorged, and still working out what to do with four brand new boxed Lego Death Stars, legacy of Todd Boehly's drunken Santa Claus turn as director of football.

Here Maresca began with a straight, non-inverting back four, with Roméo Lavia absent from midfield, and his replacement Enzo Fernández alternately impressive on the ball and a weak link without it.

Fulham kept their wing-backs deep early on. Adama Traoré started high up on the right in super-short sleeves, biceps rippling like ripe Ibérico hams, always looking to zip infield.

And Fulham were the brighter team early on, Traoré and Iwobi busy in the spaces left by Chelsea's spells of advanced possession. Which was all fine right up until the moment Palmer decided it was time for something else to happen.

The goal captured exactly why he is so unusual in elite level football. There really was not much on, no pre-scripted path to goal as he picked the ball up 30 yards out, taking a short pass from Levi Colwill and spinning on the half turn. Except, yeah, maybe I'll just do this.

Three seconds later Palmer had evaded three Fulham players and put the ball in the net. First he veered past Andreas Pereira's attempted track-back. Then he switched feet mid-stride to chop away from Sasa Lukic. Finally Palmer did not just shoot through Issa Diop's legs, he placed a beautifully crafted side-foot finish through Diop's legs, in a way that was so measured, so lovingly precise it was almost sensual, like a fond little squeeze of the thigh.

Palmer took a few moments to amuse himself after that, at one point producing an outrageous little cage-football sideways nudge when he might have shot himself. Steady there. This is not done yet. And steadily Fulham began to create chances, forcing Chelsea into moments of close defending in extremis.

Fulham had more first-half possession and just as many shots. And overall Chelsea just did not have a great deal of slack here, no periods of chill, no sense of how to rest on the ball. At times during an �increasingly angsty second half the home crowd applauded whenever a Chelsea player put a foot on the ball or passed �backwards, that 1-0 lead always �feeling precarious.

Chelsea played on the break for a bit, Pushed back by Fulham's vigour in midfield. Fernández was slick on the ball but often overrun in the deeper spaces. With 58 minutes gone Traoré ran past him on the left like a man absentmindedly vaulting a traffic cone, leaving Neto to drag him down close to goal in some desperation.

It was a precursor to the equaliser, and Neto's failure to get close enough to Iwobi, opening a pocket of space near the corner flag. The ball was crossed deep, headed back by Timothy Castagne and then flicked in by Harry Wilson. From there the winning goal may have arrived late; but it never really felt like a surprise.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/fulham-halt-chelsea-title-push-171536045.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jLm5ld3Nub3cuY28udWsv&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGSSSCbmyzz7hlgnAR-g1oo7ORfP7Izl12jcn6IdnWYjcoFB07-9XEh4Ns1ihuJReCbLtxmAfSej2Ek34EqMRJulvX6NpnGHy-oRYL7DEXi43EYZcxh9kW7GNu4z5NzX9RiJX-1PJhqPFPmRcnlfMMkdI6mHox9jExTaj7xOfYPP

[WhiteJC]

The lowdown on Chelsea 1 Fulham 2 – A stunning last-gasp win for the Whites
A Cole Palmer penalty decided the outcome when the teams met at the Bridge last season and his goal set the Blues seemingly on their way to another victory over their neighbours. Fate decreed a different outcome as two late goals gave the Whites a first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979. The end of an agonising 45-year imbalance.

Here are the main takeaways.

THE LINE-UPS

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez – Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella – Caicedo, Fernandez – Sancho, Palmer, Pedro Neto – Jackson (Nkunku 73)

Unused subs: Acheampong, Bettinelli, Casadei, Disasi, Joao Felix, George, Guiu, Jorgensen

Fulham (5-4-1): Leno – Castagne, Diop, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson – Iwobi (Sessegnon 90+2), Pereira (Cairney 74), Lukic, Traore (Wilson 67) – Jimenez (Muniz 74)

Unused subs: Carlos Vinicius, Benda, Cuenca, Godo, King

SNAPSHOT OF THE GAME

Cole Palmer – who else? – got Chelsea up and running on 16 minutes when he glided past Andreas Pereira and Sasa Lukic as if they weren't there, before planting a ball through Issa Diop's legs into the bottom corner.

But the Blues then struggled to impose themselves enough to extend their lead and lacked the urgency and flow we might have expected for a side looking to close the gap on Liverpool at the top.

Then came a memorable finale. Harry Wilson came off the bench to head in off a post from close range to level it eight minutes from time. Antonee Robinson was set free down the left by Alex Iwobi and a Timothy Castagne header back across goal was met by the Welshman.

It recalled his late, glorious match-winning double in another recent west London derby against Brentford.

But more was to come, as Fulham stunned the Blues with a winner deep into injury time (90+5) – Rodrigo Muniz finishing off a swift breakaway after being picked out by a Lukic cross from the right.

TACTICAL APPROACH

Marco Silva was intent on getting his players to take the game to the hosts and they thought they could get at the Blues' left hand flank through the muscle and pace of Adama Traore.

They also tied to get Iwobi on the ball down the left and shaded the possession stats and xG scores. Chelsea relied on Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho for width but lacked creativity. They missed the option of Noni Madueke – who was not in the matchday squad.

The Whites' subs had a bigger impact than Enzo Maresca's.  Christopher Nkunku came on to no great effect – although to be fair, he did come close with one strike – whereas Wilson and Muniz changed the game. Tom Cairney's calm passing also bypassed the helter-skelter belligerence of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.

STAR MAN

That accolade looked as good as decided by the 16th minute. Touch, timing, vision, execution. Cole Palmer's effortless early strike was his 26th top flight goal of the calendar year – taking him above the previous best set by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in 2001 and one shy of Bobby Tambling's 1966 total of 27. He had two more attempts soon after that forced Bernd Leno into saves.

But in truth, it was the Fulham keeper who deserves the man of the match award. He was a standout player – making crucial stops at the end to thwart Sancho after the leveller and Nkunku after Muniz's unforgettable strike.

BEST MOMENT

For Fulham, it looked like their best would be no better than Calvin Bassey slaloming his way through the Chelsea defence from halfway – ending his rampaging shot with a low shot saved by Robert Sanchez – and the moment Leno made a point-blank save to keep out a Marc Cucurella header and made a flying leap to tip over a Fernandez drive to keep them them in the game.

The dances of delight in front of their delirious fans after the winner and at full-time pointed to even better during those last 10 minutes. They will live with those lucky enough to be in the away end.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

For Fulham fans, it was the sight of their former defender in the blue shirt of the unloved local rivals. Tosin Adarabioyo's every touch was booed and his motivation for defecting to the one place that Cottage fans would always find unacceptable was invoked. "There's only one greedy so and so," they bellowed. Or words to that effect. And that was the more polite of the chants. They were able to have the last laugh today too.

TALKING POINTS DOWN THE PUB

Are the Blues too Palmer-dependent to win the title? After last week's shut-out at Goodison Park, goals again looked a bit too hard to come by for comfort. They also allowed Fulham a lot of the ball and failed to close down a game they should have nailed after taking an early lead.

It will pour cold water on their ambitions a little. Blues fans will wonder what made their team so uncharacteristically insipid in losing for the first time since late October.

WHAT THE BOSSES HAD TO SAY

Enzo Maresca said: "I said many times, when you can't win it's important that you do not lose. I think the first 15-20 minutes of the second half has been the part I didn't like, because we conceded too many transitions. First half I think we controlled that very good. We scored, we created chances. second half we gave them too much energy.

"In terms of lessons for sure manage the game better. We knew they are very good in transitions. They have so many players that can run a lot. For some moments we could manage much better the game. We can see that there are many things we can do better, for sure."

Marco Silva said: "When you concede an early goal, it's not easy, but we improved. Second half was good with much more bodies in the box. We started not at the best level but our reaction was much good and I really believe we deserved the three points. The way we built from the back was difficult for them to press.

"We played toe to toe with them. From the beginning of December away from home, we played against Tottenham, against Liverpool and now against Chelsea and against Arsenal at home and our unbeaten run keeps going and we wanted to break this hex here that lasted such a long time. We wanted to give this happiness to our fans. They deserve it."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-chelsea-1-fulham-2-a-stunning-last-gasp-win-for-the-whites/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea 1-2 Fulham: Match report and talking points as late fightback breaks Blues hearts

    Fulham clawed back to 2-1 win over Chelsea
    Cole Palmer's sensational opener cancelled out by Harry Wilson's late header
    Rodrigo Muniz scored in stoppage time

Chelsea were consigned to a 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham on Boxing Day after a pair of late strikes from the visitors.

Cole Palmer's dazzling opener looked to have put Chelsea in control but Harry Wilson's late header brought a nervy ending to proceedings, and the Blues buckled under the pressure as Rodrigo Muniz tapped home from close range deep into stoppage time to seal Fulham's first win at Stamford Bridge in 45 years.

How the game unfolded

Chelsea enjoyed most of the early possession but it was Fulham who caused the bigger threats, with the ever-dangerous Antonee Robinson bursting forward at every given opportunity to try and overwhelm Chelsea's back line.

With 15 minutes on the clock, Chelsea found themselves ahead. Out of nowhere, Palmer weaved his way around a handful of defenders and almost passed the ball into the bottom corner.

Raul Jimenez dragged wide, before Calvin Bassey drew a smart save from Robert Sanchez as Fulham tried to restore parity.

The returning Marc Cucurella was left wondering how he failed to double Chelsea's lead. He met Enzo Fernandez's free kick with a diving header from just a few yards out, but could only direct his effort right at the grateful Bernd Leno, who was relieved to see the deficit remain at one at the interval.

Leno needed to pull out a sensational save to deny a long-range strike from Enzo Fernandez early in the second half. Seconds later, Chelsea were celebrating when Levi Colwill headed home, only for the offside flag to correctly bring the celebrations to an abrupt end.

Fulham definitely had their moments. Alex Iwobi drove agonisingly wide and a series of crosses caused plenty of chaos in the Chelsea box, while Sanchez needed to make a great save to deny Robinson from close range.

With nine minutes to go, Fulham's pressure paid off. Wilson drifted in at the back post and nodded home Timothy Castagne's pass, wheeling off to celebrate Fulham's first goal at Stamford Bridge since 2011.

Another excellent stop from Leno denied Jadon Sancho in the dying embers, and Fulham got the reward their positivity deserved when Rodrigo Muniz slotted into the bottom corner in the fifth minute of added time to seal a famous Fulham win.

Palmer's moment of magic
For the first 15 minutes of this game, Palmer was quiet. He was drifting in and out of the contest before turning the match on its head with a truly glorious individual goal.

Channeling his inner Eden Hazard against West Ham in 2019, Palmer managed to drift his way around several defenders and land in the box, where a remarkably casual strike strolled slowly into the bottom corner.

Defenders aren't giving Palmer the sort of space he was afforded last season, so these moments of pure brilliance are becoming increasingly necessary. Fortunately for Chelsea, it's clear in every touch of the ball that Palmer is up for the challenge.

Bernd Leno saves the day
Fulham were lively in attack and can definitely feel as though this result was justified, although they must give plenty of credit to the dazzling Bernd Leno in goal.

Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez and Christopher Nkunku all drew utterly sensational saves from the Fulham stopper, who kept his side in this game at times and allowed his forwards to go and snatch all three points.

Fulham's change of formation

Fulham's focus here was obvious. They went to a five-man defence which allowed Antonee Robinson to play almost as a winger in attack. In the early stages, it looked like a masterstroke, with Calvin Bassey drifting out to left-back to ensure Robinson needed to do nothing but attack.

Chelsea, however, seemed to figure this out, marking Robinson out of the game early on as Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto combined well on the defensive side of things. Robinson's high starting position occasionally seemed to deny him the chance to pick the ball up from deep, which limited his involvement at times.

The balance of this battle swung back and forth as Robinson tried to drag Fulham back into this one. The United States international undoubtedly caught the eye ahead of a January transfer window in which he could play a central role.

Pressure pays off for Fulham

Fulham seemed to grow in strength with each passing minute. They had half-chance after half-chance after half-chance, but they finally managed a moment of quality in front of goal to snatch all three points.

Alex Iwobi shrugged off an attempted foul from Pedro Neto and sent in a dangerous ball which was smartly headed back across goal by Timothy Castage. In crept Harry Wilson for the easiest finish of his career. Muniz had more work to do, keeping his cool before picking out the bottom corner with his weaker foot.

It was a fair reward for Fulham's positivity and one with which Chelsea can hardly argue, having seen Fulham dominate possession for large parts of this game.



https://www.90min.com/chelsea-1-2-fulham-match-report-talking-points-late-fulham-fightback-blues-hearts

[WhiteJC]

Muniz fires Fulham to famous Stamford Bridge success
Rodrigo Muniz scored a stoppage-time winner as Fulham came from behind to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for the first time in 45 years. Marco Silva switched systems and made five changes but it looked as though he would be frustrated by Cole Palmer's early strike before his substitutions turned the game. Harry Wilson headed his fourth goal from the bench in six weeks before Muniz slotted into the far corner to secure the Cottagers' first success in the SW6 derby since John Beck and Gordon Davies sealed a Second Division win.

Derby defeat will be devastating to Chelsea's title ambitions, leaving them four points behind Liverpool having played two games more. Enzo Maresca's men were fortunate to lead through Cole Palmer's effortless finish on the quarter hour as they had been bystanders before then, but the England man could easily have had a hat-trick by half-time with Bernd Leno and Issa Diop coming to the Cottagers' rescue. But the visitors controlled possession and territory, with Raul Jimenez curling a shot into the arms of Sanchez seconds before Palmer poached his 26th goal of the calendar year.

Levi Colwell found the playmaker with a perceptive pass but it was far too easy for him to saunter between Andreas Pereira and Sasa Lukic before steering a shot through Diop's legs and into the far corner. Leno spread himself well when he shot from the edge of the area shortly afterwards, but Fulham wasted glorious openings of their own. Jimenez shot wide from the inside right position with Pereira spooning a shot high over the bar. Calvin Bassey created their best chance, with Sanchez just about holding onto the centre half's speculative strike after a rampaging run into the box. The Nigerian then made a superb saving tackle to prevent Palmer from doubling the lead just before half time.

Alex Iwobi almost curled home a lovely leveller after surprising Sanchez at his near post but his effort whistled just wide. Leno tipped over a fierce drive by Enzo Fernandez after the resumption before being relieved that Levi Colwell's header was ruled out from offside. Marc Cucurella saw a back-post header brilliant kept out by Leno's agility but Chelsea never looked comfortable with Antonee Robinson a frequent menace on the left flank. The left wing-back should have scored after latching onto a through ball by Adama Traore but was denied by a brave stop from Sanchez.

Muniz headed a Robinson cross straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper shortly after replacing Jimenez but the goal arrived from Wilson as the Welsh international continued his record of scoring big goals in London derbies. A well-worked move saw Iwobi elude Neto's attempts to rugby tackle him by the left flank. Whilst the former Wolves winger cynically fell to the floor, the Cottagers kept going. Robinson hung a deep cross to the back post where Timothy Castagne kept it alive with a clever header and Wilson nodded the Whites level with eight minutes remaining.

Fulham felt they could win it – but their sense of adventure has seen them concede late goals regularly this campaign. It could have happened again here but Diop got his body into the away of another Cucurella header and Fernandez fired the follow-up straight at Leno. Silva waved his side forward and they made history in the fifth minute of added time. Wilson exploited Chelsea's lack of numbers in defence with a wonderfully weighted pass for Sasa Lukic. The Serb ignored Timothy Castagne's plea for the ball, picking out Muniz instead – and the Brazilian took a touch before finding the far corner to send the lucky lottery winners in the away end wild.

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Cucerella, Adarabioyo, Colwill; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson (Nkunku 74). Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Jorgensen, Acheampong, Disasi, Casadei, George, Felix, Guhiu.

BOOKED: Neto.

GOAL: Palmer (16).

FULHAM (3-4-3): Leno; Andersen, Diop, Bassey; Castagne, A. Robinson; Lukic, Pereira (Cairney 74); Iwobi (R. Sessegnon 90+3), Traore (Wilson 67), Jimenez (Muniz 74). Subs (not used): Benda, Cuenca, King, Godo, Vinicius.

BOOKED: Lukic, Andersen, A. Robinson.

GOALS: Wilson (82), Muniz (90+3).

REFEREE: Sam Barrott (Yorkshire).

ATTENDANCE: 39,687.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/muniz-fires-fulham-to-famous-stamford-bridge-success/

[WhiteJC]

Silva: 'One of the best Boxing Days for the fans'
Marco Silva proclaimed this 'one of the best Boxing Days for the fans in 50 years' after watching his Fulham side come from behind to win the SW6 derby at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1979.

Substitutes Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz turned the game in the space of ten minutes as the Whites recorded a famous win over their local rivals.

Silva told the BBC after the final whistle:

"Football is about connections. Connections between fans, players and staff, means something really big. The most important thing is for the fans. It's not about me at all. Some of the speeches before the game were about the fans. It's been a long time [not winning at] their neighbours. We deserved it. We controlled more of the game. We didn't give them chances.

"We created big problems for them. Second half we had more bodies in the box and we created more problems. It will be one of the best Boxing Days for the fans in the last 50 years. In the second half we started to make better decisions. All the good actions of the game give us confidence."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/silva-one-of-the-best-boxing-days-for-the-fans/

[WhiteJC]

Tottenham front-runners to sign Nicolo Fagioli
Tottenham are leading the race for the signature of Nicolo Fagioli amidst interest from Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham United.

Nicolo Fagioli could be heading to the Premier League as multiple top clubs are interested in acquiring his services. While no offers have been submitted for the Juventus midfielder at this stage, quite a few English clubs are willing to meet the demands of the Italian club.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, Tottenham are believed to be the front-runner for the signature of the Italian international who is also on the wishlist of Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham United.

Fagioli has come up the ranks at Juventus and has been a part of their first team since the start of 2021. While he has been around for a while now, the 23-year-old midfielder has failed to establish himself as a key figure in the team.

In the ongoing season, he has been involved in 18 matches but has racked up less than 800 minutes of first-team action. While his contract at the Turin-based club runs until the summer of 2028, Juventus are open to a potential departure as long as an interested club is willing to table €25 million.

With the Old Lady ready to sell, multiple Premier League clubs have registered their interest in him. Fulham, West Ham and Crystal Palace are all looking to add more quality to their midfield and they feel the Italian international could do wonders for them.

Tottenham leading the charge to sign Fagioli
They have showcased their willingness to enter into negotiations with Juventus for the versatile midfielder who has the potential to be a special player. While all three clubs are looking to push for his signature, Tottenham are looking to blow them out of the water.

The North London club are expected to have a very busy winter transfer window after a disappointing first half of the season. Ange Postecoglou seeks reinforcement and he is believed to be the one pushing for the signing of Fagioli.

Spurs are believed to be best positioned to sign the Juventus star. Meanwhile, the Italian club's director Cristiano Giuntoli has travelled to England to hold talks with multiple English clubs as he looks to find a solution for the future of Fagioli.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/12/27/tottenham-front-runners-to-sign-nicolo-fagioli/

[WhiteJC]

Silva insists Fulham deserved derby triumph
Marco Silva insisted Fulham fully deserved their derby triumph at Chelsea.

They pushed hard for an equaliser after Cole Palmer's first-half opener and were eventually rewarded with Harry Wilson's late goal.

And in a dramatic finale, Rodrigo Muniz scored a stoppage-time winner.

"I really believe that we deserved the three points against a tough side," Whites boss Silva declared.

"Conceding an early goal of course is not easy. The reaction was top from ourselves. We had much more composure on the counter-attack."

Wilson's leveller was Fulham's first goal at Stamford Bridge for 13 years and the win was the club's first there since 1979.

It was greeted with scenes of wild celebrations by their jubilant fans.

"It's more for our fans really. They deserve the feeling they have right now. Let's hope they can keep supporting us and we can keep giving this happiness to them," Silva said.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-insists-fulham-deserved-derby-triumph

[WhiteJC]

'Silva's rehabilitation complete with historic Fulham win'
Marco Silva spent Christmas five years ago recovering from his brutal sacking at Everton after only 18 months at Goodison Park.

Silva's promising first season, in which he took Everton to eighth while often playing eye-catching attacking football, was quickly forgotten as he struggled into December before then-owner Farhad Moshiri pulled the trigger with the Toffees in 18th place following a 5-2 thrashing at Liverpool.

In those closing weeks at Everton, Silva cut a haunted figure fighting a losing battle, the pleas of director of football Marcel Brands ignored as the Portuguese lost his job, eventually being replaced by Carlo Ancelotti.

Silva bided his time before returning to management with Fulham in July 2021.

He has since carefully rebuilt a reputation that once earmarked him as one of Europe's most promising young coaches, established at Estoril and Sporting in Portugal then Olympiakos in Greece, making his mark at Fulham with promotion from the Championship as champions in his first season, winning 27 of 46 games.

He has since re-established Fulham as a Premier League force, finishing 10th in 2022-23 and 13th last season. It is a fine body of work and this magnificent win at Chelsea was a prime example of a rehabilitation that has gathered new momentum in recent weeks.

In December, Fulham earned a point at Tottenham then, more significantly, took a fully deserved share of the spoils against Arsenal at Craven Cottage before becoming only the second team to take league points off Liverpool at Anfield in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

This, arguably, was Fulham's finest result and performance under Silva, given its meaning as a west London derby and after 45 years without a victory at Stamford Bridge

Silva's successful festive period will be in the sharpest contrast to the misery of 2019, and he thinks Fulham's fans will share his joy as he said: "It will be one of the best Boxing Days for the fans in the last 50 years."

Silva, animated and agitated in his technical area, ensured Fulham never took a backward step, undaunted by Cole Palmer's 16th-minute goal that Chelsea defended with increasing anxiety until eight minutes from time.

He had replaced Adama Traore with Harry Wilson after 67 minutes then Raul Jimenez with Rodrigo Muniz seven minutes later.

It was the work of a manager with the surest touch as first Wilson headed the equaliser with eight minutes left, then Muniz steered a finish past Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez at Stamford Bridge's Shed End with one of the six minutes of stoppage time left.

Silva's changes were made with positive intent, to maintain the attacking impetus Fulham carried in an outstanding second half, then gaining maximum reward.

The 47-year-old could not contain his elation, jumping forward then wheeling around in joy to celebrate with his backroom staff as his players did likewise a special moment with their supporters.

It was the first time Fulham had won a Premier League game at Stamford Bridge in 18 attempts, losing 11 and drawing six. It was their first away win against Chelsea in any competition since October 1979, in the former Second Division. In that period they have lost 12 and drawn nine.

Fulham now stand eighth in the Premier League, level on 28 points with champions Manchester City, the difference being that the Cottagers' graph is on an upward curve while Pep Guardiola's team continue to slide.

Silva has also built a team with character, winning eight points from losing positions this season, scoring seven goals from the 81st minute on, including the two here at Stamford Bridge.

He has been the beneficiary of finally putting down roots at a club, allowing his coaching prowess - recognised throughout his career - the time to take effect.

He was highly-regarded at Hull City, even though his five-month spell from January to May 2017 ended in relegation.

Silva made an impressive start after being appointed Watford manager, but his head was turned when approached by Everton in November, following the sacking of Ronald Koeman. The advances were rejected amid acrimony but Watford's form went into decline.

Before Everton's approach, Watford only lost four out of 11 games but afterwards they suffered defeat in eight of the next 13. Silva was sacked in January.

Watford pointed the finger of blame firmly in Everton's direction in their statement, at the time, saying: "The catalyst is that approach, something which the board believes has seen a significant deterioration in both focus and results to the point where the long-term future of Watford has been jeopardised."

Everton eventually got their man in summer 2018, but cast him aside 18 months later before Silva's managerial journey took him to Craven Cottage.

Silva now looks and sounds like a different man.

And this win at Chelsea was a coaching masterclass as he revealed how it was planned.

He said: "We knew Neto would push up on Chelsea's right so we wanted to expose those spaces. This was our plan and we did it better in the second half with Antonee Robinson and pushing on.

"We wanted to expose that area in the way we prepared then get more bodies in the box in the second half, which we did and got our goals. If people think we deserved to win this match then I would agree with them."

Fulham's fans have come to idolise their manager, as proved by the wild outpouring of joy at the final whistle - and the feeling is mutual.

He said: "Football is about connections. Connections between fans, players and staff, means something really big. The most important thing is for the fans. It's not about me at all.

"Some of the speeches before the game were about the fans. It's been a long time [not winning at their neighbours]. We deserved it. We controlled more of the game. We didn't give them chances.

"In the second half we started to make better decisions. All the good actions of the game give us confidence."

Silva's connection with Fulham and the club's fans looks unbreakable - and he appears to be a manager who has finally found a home.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cn54gpv6wz1o

[WhiteJC]

Player Ratings: Chelsea 1-2 Fulham

God, just writing out that title has given me untold joy. A first Fulham win at the Bridge in 45 years. A first Fulham goal there in 13, to the day in fact. The Whites that had travelled down the road to be in that away end sang their hearts out for the full 90 minutes and were rewarded with one of the greatest moments in Fulham history. Moments like this are so rare, savour them.

Bernd Leno

Let's get the potential negative out of the way, I personally think a goalkeeper of Leno's calibre will be a bit gutted that Cole Palmer has effectively managed to get a 20-yard pass lacking real vigour into his net. Beyond that, however, Bernd was superb. Made two superb saves from Cucurella (from close range) and Fernanez (from range) either side of half time to keep the deficit at the time to just one goal. Then in the last minute of normal time, a close range save from Sancho kept Fulham level going into additional time. To top it off, an unreal acrobatic save from Nkunku kept Fulham's lead in tact as the game ticked towards 98 minutes. So many times in so many different scenarios did Leno keep Fulham in this one, his best performance this season for sure. 9.5/10 – Man of the match.

Issa Diop

Not that this is a surprise given his form recently, but Diop was comfortably the best defender in our back three/five in the first half, and solid in the second too, admittedly with less work to do. On and off the ball he oozed calm and dominance, even his biggest critic would find it hard to lay blame at his door rather than others' for Palmer's goal. Made a crucial interception on Nicolas Jackson to prevent the striker going through one-on-one with Leno at 1-0 towards the end of the first half. Also made a big block in second half added time to keep up Fulham's chances of victory. Really solid run of form for the Frenchman. 8/10.

Joachim Andersen

Nice to see Joa back in the side in an unconventional back five for Fulham, saving the potential debate from ensuing over whether or not Diop deserved displacing in the Whites' backline. Sometimes found himself drifting into the number six position in possession to help us play out of Chelsea's dangerous high press, which was useful. Yellow card wasn't ideal but was necessary to prevent a dangerous Chelsea counter attack after a slack Iwobi pass in the Chelsea half. Solid if not spectacular return to the side. 6.5/10.

Calvin Bassey

Despite some recent lapses in concentration in the last few weeks, Bassey was at his exuberant, enthusiastic best in this one. Shown perfectly by the confidence shown with his first half run from inside his own half, beating three Chelsea players with ease before unleashing a powerful, low strike that had Robert Sanchez panicking in the Chelsea net. Bassey frequently showed his quality on the ball and strength in physical battles with both Jackson and Neto. His tackle on the brink of half time on Cole Palmer prevented the Whites from going in at the break two goals down, a timely and potentially pivotal intervention. 8.5/10.

Timothy Castagne

Thought despite being quite quiet for most of the game, Castagne held his own really well against the threat posed by the brilliant Jadon Sancho. Timmy stayed tight to his man throughout, constantly pushing him into wide areas and crowded spaces that the England international wanted to find a way out from. Also swept up any crosses coming in from the opposite wing really well. His guided header in the closing stages was perfectly placed to find Harry Wilson to equalise, setting Fulham on their way to amazing things in added time. 7.5/10.

Andreas Pereira

I don't want to be that guy that slates anyone when we're on the back of such a huge high, but any fan will admit it was infuriating to see how easily Chelsea's midfield, especially Cole Palmer, breezed past the Brazilian. It was this issue that led to Chelsea's goal, with Pereira providing Palmer with so much space to find himself in a shooting position. We know Andreas struggles in a midfield two in terms of pulling his weight and positional discipline, but in a difficult game and an unfamiliar system like this, we needed more from him. Didn't do much on the ball either, Cairney proved the quality and calmness we needed there when he replaced him. 5/10.

Sasa Lukic

Lukic seemed similarly weak in his challenge on Palmer for the Chelsea goal...the difference is in the way he responded to that for the rest of the game. After that moment, the Serb was a Rolls Royce in the middle, back to his early season best. The intensity of his game was so important in a game where his midfield partner struggled to cover the necessary yards or compete in midfield duels like Lukic did himself. His burst forward down the right wing to create the winning goal 95 minutes in was incredible considering the hard yards he'd put in for the game before that. 8.5/10

Antonee Robinson

Played almost as a left winger in the first half in Fulham's adapted formation, with most of the play coming down his side. Not sure it worked perfectly, Robinson struggled to know when to go forward and when to stay further back to protect the rest of the backline, and Chelsea looked to expose those areas in the moments he was out of position. That attacking intent did however find him in a wonderful goalscoring position on the hour mark, sadly his effort was saved from five yards out. One big plus was the cross he put in to help create the equalising goal. 6/10.

Adama Traore

I feel genuine sympathy for Adama. I felt some of the criticism post Southampton was completely uncalled for, but today as he walked off when substituted, he looked completely dejected, and you can't blame him. He'd not been passed the ball once in the first half with Fulham's insistence on playing down the left hand side. Then, when he finally gets the ball an hour in, he puts the perfect cross in for Robinson, who should score. Just as he starts looking confident and dangerous, he gets subbed off. Sod's law for Adama, hopefully it doesn't effect his confidence. 6.5/10.

Alex Iwobi

Had quite a free role in the early stages due to the positions Robinson was picking up in the attacking third. Thought at times that was a tad off-putting for him, with Iwobi uncharacteristically misplacing a number of passes, a couple of which led to Chelsea being in a position to counter attack in transition, something they were able to do at pace. Played much better in the second half, including a beautiful curled effort which drifted just past the right hand post. 6/10.

Raul Jimenez

Had a couple of decent early efforts in the opening twenty minutes. One came on the edge of the box, but only went down the throat of Robert Sanchez who parried it comfortably in front of him. His more threatening effort came on the right side of the box, almost identical to the goal he scored against Arsenal, dragging this one just wide. After that, couldn't get himself into the game too much. 6/10.

Substitutes

Harry Wilson (65' for Traore)

What is it with this boy and his love for making vital contributions to winning West London derbies from the bench? Looked up for it as soon as he came on, volleying over the bar from range and putting himself about. His headed effort in the 90th minute caused bedlam in the away end, who would have known what else was to come? 7/10.

Tom Cairney (73' for Pereira)

Added something severely lacking in Pereira's game, control and substance. He put himself into the spaces we needed our second midfielder, asking for the ball and not shying away from the challenge in front of him. Nothing spectacular came of it, but it was obvious the improvement that came from Cairney being on the pitch rather than the Brazilian he replaced. 6.5/10.

Rodrigo Muniz (73' for Jimenez)

Had a decent headed effort saved as soon as he came on from a left-sided cross, and from there he didn't quite have anything to go off. But then...Fulham counter, Lukic finds his way down the right hand side, pulls it across, and who else but Rodrigo Muniz to have the composure to control with one touch and finish perfectly with the other to give Fulham one of their greatest days. Love you, Rodrigo. 7/10.

Ryan Sessegnon (90+2' for Iwobi) subbed on too late to be fairly rated.

Manager

Marco Silva

We won, so some of this may sound overly negative, but the thoughts I had 88 minutes in are still valid so I'll air my thoughts on this one as I saw it, as I always do. I liked that he tried something different with the system. It showed he doesn't always have to be stubborn and rigid with his formation and showed common sense with the lack of fit midfielders at our disposal. Don't like how tactically one dimensional we were in the first half, playing only down the left. Also don't know how Andreas played 73 minutes in the same position whilst being bypassed so easily, or why Adama came off before anyone else just as he was finding form. Equally, if we're talking substitutes, we have to praise the fact that the two goal scorers that won Fulham the game were substitutes made by Marco himself. I think the key thing to note for the 90 plus minutes tactically was how well the back three worked in playing against an aggressive and enthusiastic Chelsea press. Overall, plenty of positives and negatives to take if we're being fair, but the result swings this one towards an overall positive assessment of the manager. 7/10.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-12-26-player-ratings-chelsea-1-2-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Jamie O'Hara calls for Tottenham to sack Ange Postecoglou and names the Premier League manager he wants to replace him
Tottenham Hotspur have suffered yet another defeat in the Premier League.

Spurs are having a really poor season. Ange Postecoglou's men have lost nine of their first 18 league games and remain 11th in the table.

Their latest defeat came at the hands of Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day. A first-half Anthony Elanga goal sealed a win for Nuno Espirito Santo against his old club.

Spurs fans are all disappointed, and some of them are even turning on Postecoglou. Jamie O'Hara has now suggested a possible replacement for the Australian.

Jamie O'Hara suggests Marco Silva to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham
Postecoglou deserves praise for the work he has done at Tottenham.

The Australian was appointed as the Spurs boss in the summer of 2023, and he inherited a squad that had played defensive football under Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.

To make things worse, he lost Harry Kane just before the start of the season and couldn't replace him until this summer, when he signed Dominic Solanke.

Despite all the difficulties, Postecoglou stuck to his guns and played football his way. But, unfortunately for him, the results have not been good enough. That has led to a lot of criticism and some Spurs fans want him out too.

O'Hara has now had his say, and the Tottenham-supporting pundit has tipped Fulham boss Marco Silva to replace Postecoglou at Spurs.

Speaking about the Australian, O'Hara said on talkSPORT: "Do you know what? Carry on being stubborn, carry on doing what you're doing, you're going to get the sack.

"I don't care what you say, I don't care how far you go in the European competition or get into the final of the Carabao Cup, Premier League is where it's at. You can't be 11th in the table.

"I'm starting to come around to the fact that we should nick Fulham's manager, Marco Silva. I want to nick him. He's good. Do you know what they are? When I watch them, they are organised, got a structure to the team. They've got really good players – they haven't got world-beaters – but they've got really good players.

"I might have to start putting it out there – Marco Silva for Spurs.

"All I'm saying is I don't know if Big Ange can carry on playing this way. You can't lose nine games in 18 while being Tottenham manager. I'm sorry, you can't get away with that. You can't continue."

Ange Postecoglou vs Marco Silva stats compared
Silva has done a magnificent job at Fulham.

The 47-year-old Silva, hailed as an 'outstanding manager' by Postecoglou himself, has been at the helm at Craven Cottage since the summer of 2021, and he has improved the club massively in that period.

Tottenham admire Silva, and his numbers compared to that of Postecoglou explain why.

Stat	Marco Silva at Fulham	Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham
Games	160	68
Points per game	1.58	1.65
Goals scored per game	1.87	2.01
Goals conceded per game	1.45	1.55

Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou vs Fulham's Marco Silva (correct as of 27/12/2024)

Silva's stats as Fulham's manager are very similar to Postecoglou's at Tottenham. That is very impressive considering that the Cottagers are not on the same level in terms of quality as Spurs.

What makes Silva a good option is that he is more pragmatic than Postecoglou. His teams don't just play all-out attack – they are happy to defend when they have to and still pick up results in the Premier League.

If Postecoglou does get sacked in the coming weeks, we think Silva would be a good option to replace him. But, we're sure Fulham will do everything they possibly can to retain their manager's services.



https://tbrfootball.com/jamie-ohara-calls-for-tottenham-to-sack-ange-postecoglou-and-names-the-premier-league-manager-he-wants-to-replace-him/

[WhiteJC]

Positives and Negatives: Chelsea 1-2 Fulham

Jack Stroudley looks at Fulham's memorable win at Stamford Bridge.

Wow, just wow. Fulham Football Club you truly know how to move me. Following a disappointing day at the office against Southampton, Fulham went into a SW6 clash with Chelsea riddled with injuries and overall with low levels of optimism amongst the fanbase, oh how wrong we were.

Fulham picked up a historic win at the Bridge in another late late show thanks to goals from Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz. I could sit and talk about this until May so I'll try and keep this article as short as possible but forgive me in advance for the understandable tangents I'm about to go on.

Positives

South West Wilson

He's only gone and bloody done it again hasn't he? Harry Wilson is the king of South West London. Just when you think he can't be topped for his late double a month ago at Craven Cottage against Brentford he scores our first goal at the Bridge since 2011 to (at the time) earn us a well deserved point.

The way the game was going Fulham were growing into the ascendancy and bringing Wilson on with just over twenty to go was one of four subs for Marco Silva today and all four of them were fantastic! Wilson was his usual direct self with only one misplaced pass and his driving desire to get amongst the action. Wilson was rewarded for this with just less than 10 minutes of normal time to play; jolly on the spot to guide a looping ball from Castagne into the net after losing former Fulham man Tosin (as Jason Cundy would say, "haaaaaaasssssss anyone seen?")

Muniz's mega moment

Roddy bloody Moons you have written yourself into Fulham folklaw. It's always the Brazilians, they just love it against Chelsea! Raul Jimenez was relatively quiet once again so the sub for Rodrigo Muniz made a lot of sense just to give us a different presence in attack. 100% duel success rate and 100% dribble success rate showed the impact our Brazilian Golden Retriever had on the game throwing himself about and being a nuisance for the Chelsea defence.

Then it happened, by god it happened, Rodrigo Muniz with a really good finish into the bottom corner. The Brazilian showed some real samba-esque composure to bring the ball down, set himself and slot past Robert Sanchez. Bedlum, absolute bedlum in the away end and I couldn't think of anyone I'd want to send the away end potty more than Roddy Moons. Whatever happens from here, Muniz is now forever Fulham.

Reaction, reaction, reaction

Time for a bit of actual football chat for a second. Following the disappointment of Southampton a reaction was desperate and Silva and co delivered in abundance. I wasn't sure on the back five but we grew into the game and by the end of it were good value for the three points. Sasa Lukic was a monster in midfield, Bernd Leno saved us time and time again, Calvin Bassey was fantastic at the back and it was an overall brilliant performance from Fulham.

The result leaves us just one point off fifth going into a "favourable run". I'll say exactly what I said after Liverpool, we have to make these extra points count. It's lovely and memorable beating the top sides but if we really want to achieve something this season we have to go on a run of wins and become more consistent at home. That starts with a tricky test against Bournemouth on Sunday.

One team in Fulham

Isn't football great eh? I don't really think the footballing world will truly understand just how much yesterday meant to Fulham fans. A first win at the Bridge since 1979 and yet another feather to Marco Silva's cap. It's not always about rhyme and reason, perspective about how yesterday affects our season is important but honestly at this current moment who gives a toss?

Fulham have done something that none of us thought would happen, watch it, drink it in. Silva and co are giving us some of the best times of our footballing lives, I don't know what the final stop is but I personally never want the train ride to end. No negatives to report – up the bloody Fulham, I'm off for a cheeseboard!

Negatives

No chance. Not today!



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-12-27-positives-and-negatives-chelsea-1-2-fulham/