Chelsea ended their 12-game winning streak in all competitions with a dazzling 2-1 Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge, thanks to two goals from Fulham in the closing ten minutes.
Alternatives to Fulham’s first away victory against their west London rivals since 1979 was achieved by shocking the Blues with goals from Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz.
On December 26, 2024, Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat against Fulham at Stamford Bridge, a result that ended Fulham’s 45-year winless streak at this venue.
The match began positively for Chelsea, with Cole Palmer opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Palmer showcased exceptional skill, maneuvering past three Fulham defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom left corner, marking his 12th Premier League goal of the season.
Despite maintaining the lead for much of the game, Chelsea failed to capitalize on several opportunities to extend their advantage. Marc Cucurella came close with a diving header before halftime, and Enzo Fernandez saw his long-range effort saved by Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno.
Fulham equalized in the 82nd minute when Alex Iwobi outmuscled Pedro Neto, delivering a cross that found Harry Wilson at the back post, who headed the ball past Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez.
In stoppage time, a misjudged long ball from Sanchez was intercepted by Fulham, leading to a swift counterattack. Rodrigo Muniz capitalized on the opportunity, scoring the decisive goal that secured Fulham’s first victory at Stamford Bridge since 1979.
This loss was a significant setback for Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, as it hindered their pursuit of the Premier League title. The defeat highlighted defensive lapses and a lack of clinical finishing, issues that Maresca will need to address to maintain their title challenge.
Despite the disappointing result, Cole Palmer’s performance was a standout, drawing comparisons to former Chelsea star Eden Hazard. His creativity and goal-scoring ability have been a bright spot in Chelsea’s season, offering hope for future matches.
Looking ahead, Chelsea will need to regroup and focus on upcoming fixtures to regain momentum in the title race. Addressing defensive vulnerabilities and improving goal-scoring efficiency will be crucial for Maresca’s side as they aim to bounce back from this unexpected defeat.