A lively second half to the games saw both Oscar and John Obi Mikel, yes John Obi Mikel score to ensure a much-needed three points for the blues.
Much to the disappointment of the Chelsea fans Juan Mata couldn’t even make the bench for the much anticipated London derby! He had to watch his team from the stands alongside David Luiz and Marco Van Ginkel.
Chelsea had a brilliant opportunity just six minutes into the game. Ivanovic flashed an early cross towards the near post, however Eto’o couldn’t manage to get enough on the ball to divert it passed Stockdale in the Fulham goal.
Seven minutes later Bent nearly gave Fulham a suprising lead. Summer signing Darren Bent was sent clean through at goal, none of the rushing Chelsea defenders could really trouble him. Despite having time on his side he could only manage to hit the legs of Petr Cech with his disappointing effort.
Within less than a minute of Bent’s glorious chance Chelsea fans were appealing for a penalty. The ball was floated in from the right, the ball eventually fell to Hazard who had appeared to been pushed by Fulham defender Sascha Riether, the referee waved away the protest.
After an eventful quarter of an hour to the game, the tempo slowed down significantly with neither team managing to create any clear cut opportunities. In fact the next chance of the game came only moments before half time.
The ball was played wide right to Branislav Ivanovic, the Serbian pulled the trigger but he saw his shot deflect wide for a corner which was wasted. 0-0 HT
Seven minutes after the interval Chelsea managed to break the deadlock. Schurrle’s skill enabled him to evade Riether and played the ball into the box, which was met by Eto’o who was trying to scramble the ball goal words. David Stockdale saw the ball late and could only manage to push the ball out to Oscar who was on hand to give Chelsea the lead. 1-0
Former Chelsea player Steve Sidwell nearly cursed his former employees on the 54th minute. Fulham won a free-kick in a dangerous position which was whipped in by Kasami. The ball beats everyone and Sidwell could only manage to head wide having saw the ball arrive late.
Shortly after the game reached the hour mark Samuel Eto’o was replaced by Spain international and Chelsea’s number nine Fernando Torres.
Fulham couldn’t manage to oppose any threat on the Chelsea goal and on the 71st minute they suffered a scare. Ramires cleverly back heeled the ball in order to make some space for a cross, however the Brazilian was brought down by Fulham newcomer Riether. Yet again the referee waved away the protest.
Moments before Chelsea’s second goal of the afternoon Fernando Torres saw his header expertly saved by Stockdale.
Without a doubt the following corner produced a moment that Chelsea fans won’t forget for a while, John Obi Mikel scoring for the first time in nearly six years. Lampard’s in-swinging corner was met by captain JT who nodded the ball back to Mikel. The Nigerian managed to raise his foot and hit the ball home to ensure a much needed three points.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and the game! Let me know your thoughts!
