After a very poor first half for the blues, the second half provided a contrast as the magnificent Andre Schurrle scored his first hat-rick for Chelsea. Former Everton defender Heitenga managed to score a consolation goal for Fulham in the West London Derby.
@chelseafc: Chelsea team v Fulham: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Ramires, Matic; Schurrle, Oscar, Hazard; Torres. #CFC
Chelsea were certainly looking to improve on their draw in Istanbul midweek however the blues almost had a scare as Clint Dempsey missed a big chance for the whites. Fulham broke on a counter-attack through Kasami, his fine cross found the unmarked American who fired wide.
After the early fright Mourinho’s men were almost ahead. Stekelenburg took an age to clear the ball, Fernando Torres reacted however the former Roma goalie managed to save his blushes.
Gary Cahill produced a moment of defensive brilliance that denied Fulham the lead. Ex Chelsea player Scott Parker played the ball through to Clint Dempsey. When he turned Cahill managed to produce a fantastic block.
Fulham almost were ahead moments before half-time. Fulham hit the blues on the counter-attack after Torres’ saved snapshot. Steve Sidwell also a former Chelsea attempted to hit the ball, but yet again it was Gary Cahill who made the block. 0-0 HT
The league leaders came out of the tunnel like a transformed side in the second half and were soon ahead. Fulham showed the world how not to defend as they attempted to play the high line. Eden Hazard played the ball to Andre Schurrle who nodded the ball forward. The German glided past Burn and calmly slotted the ball on the back of the net. 1-0 Chelsea
Confidence was at a high for Chelsea and they almost doubled their advantage. The skilful Eden Hazard produced a perfect robana cross to Fernando Torres who looked destined to score yet Richardson’s intervention denied the Spaniard.
Six minutes later Andre Schurrle doubled his goal tally. Hazard threaded a nice ball to Schurrle who smashed the ball home. 2-0 Chelsea
Few minutes later Schurrle capped off a fantastic performance with a hat-rick. Similar to the first goal Schurrle was played through after Fernando Torres won the header, he then drove the ball under the reach of Stekelenburg in the Fulham goal. 3-0
Fulham did manage to pull one back. Heitnga scored from close range after Darren Bent flicked the ball. 3-1
The game finished with the score line at 3-1 a very crucial three points after title rivals Arsenal lost 1-0 to Stoke City.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article. KTBFFH, CAREFREE, UTC
@carbislli
