Fulham secured a 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night, deepening the Blues’ struggles as incoming head coach Liam Rosenior watched from the stands.
Chelsea were reduced to 10 men early in the contest when Marc Cucurella was sent off in the 22nd minute for a professional foul on Harry Wilson, leaving caretaker manager Calum McFarlane’s side on the back foot for much of the match.
Fulham took the lead in the 55th minute through Raul Jimenez, who rose highest to head home from close range. Chelsea responded swiftly, with Liam Delap equalising moments later after converting from close range following a rebound off the post from a corner.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Chelsea pushed for a winner but were undone nine minutes from time when Harry Wilson capitalised on a defensive lapse, controlling the ball brilliantly before volleying past Robert Sanchez to seal the win for the hosts.
The result leaves Chelsea languishing in eighth place, behind Brentford, while Fulham climbed to 31 points, consolidating their position in the top half of the Premier League table.
Frustration among Chelsea supporters was evident, with “BlueCo out” banners and chants directed at the club’s ownership throughout the game. The match also highlighted Chelsea’s ongoing disciplinary issues, as Cucurella’s dismissal marked the club’s eighth red card of the season, following a similar fate for former manager Enzo Maresca earlier in the campaign.
With Rosenior set to take charge, Chelsea face a challenging task to stabilise their season amid injuries, suspensions, and growing off-field unrest.
