Chelsea kept their hopes of securing a return to the Champions League alive with a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over local rivals Fulham on Sunday. Pedro Neto’s stoppage-time strike sealed the win for Enzo Maresca’s side, after 19-year-old Tyrique George had pulled the Blues level with a fine strike from the edge of the box in the 83rd minute.
Fulham had taken the lead midway through the first half when Alex Iwobi slammed a superb low finish into the bottom corner. The Cottagers had dominated the game but lacked a cutting edge, despite having a goal-bound shot blocked and Sander Berge going close to scoring with a diving header.
Chelsea enjoyed a period of pressure after the interval, with Neto delivering several dangerous crosses. However, it was Iwobi’s strike that proved to be the difference-maker early on. Neto had a huge chance to equalize 10 minutes after the restart, but his effort from 10 yards out was well-saved by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Maresca made a double change at half-time, introducing Malo Gusto and Jadon Sancho, and the Blues started the second period with increased intensity. George’s introduction proved pivotal, as he quickly made his mark with a fine strike to level the score.
Neto then scored the winner in injury time, spinning and powering a brilliant half-volley into the roof of the net. “The pressure kept coming from the Blues and Palmer was next to have a go, firing a shot over and wide from just inside the opposition penalty area,” the report added.
The win sees Chelsea move up to fifth in the table on 57 points, level with sixth-placed Nottingham Forest and seventh-placed Aston Villa. Manchester City are one point above Chelsea in fourth, while Newcastle United are two points higher. The Blues are back in action on Saturday, hosting David Moyes’ Everton at Stamford Bridge in a 12:30 pm kick-off.
The win was a significant boost for Chelsea’s Champions League qualification hopes, and Maresca’s side will look to build on this momentum against Everton. The match will be televised on TNT Sport in the UK, and Chelsea fans will be eager to see their team in action.