Fulham deepen Chelsea wounds in feisty derby

Fulham win bragging rights in the West London derby despite a valiant Chelsea effort. The visitors were unable to get anything from the game against their London neighbours, though, and the pressure continues to mount for Potter.

Joao impresses on debut

Chelsea's brand new talisman Joao Felix was the main name going into this one, as the Portuguese star made his debut after signing the day before, giving him barely any chance to get used to his new teammates in his one training session prior to the game. This did not seem to bother the on-loan Atletico footballer, as his class was immediately evident, dancing through the Fulham midfield with ease, repeatedly attracting fouls and yellow cards for opponents. 

His dominance was also replicated going forward, as several chances found themselves coming from his feet. His immediate impact was proved by the fact that after just 35 minutes, Chelsea had already got more shots away than they had averaged in every previous game this season (14 vs 10.9). This was, however, invain, as he was unable to muster up a chance to put one home despite a fair few opportunities.

The home side proved much more clinical, as they put home just about their only chance of the first forty-five. This opener came on the 25' minute, when ex-Chelsea man Willian got lucky. The Brazilian collected a poorly cleared crossed, and he cut inside before opening fire, just to see his shot take a mean deflection, swerving past a helpless Kepa.

Being beaten by their former player did not dishearten the visitors, as they were determined to draw the tie level. New star Felix's old service was resumed, as he maintained his attacking prowess. This flurry of chances allowed Fulham shot-stopper Bernd Leno to come into action more, as he repeatedly saved his side, putting several chances behind to contribute to an ever-growing corner rate for Potter's men.

This pressure did not ultimately bear fruit, as Potter's recently poor form had continued for yet another half of football. They would have been diasppointed to go in at the break one goal down, and it was arguably undeserved after the visiting side dominated large swathes of the first-half possession and chances.

Any first-half hangover was immediately ruled out, as Potter's men had found the net after just 48 minutes. A Mason Mount free-kick was curled in to the front post, which had Leno beaten. The shot rebounded of the front post, forcing it back into the six-yard area, where Koulibaly was lying in wait, ready to fire home. 

Bittersweet evening for Blues

What followed was a significant blow for the away side, as a split-second challenge from Joao Felix saw him sent off. The referee was left in no doubt after his recklessly late challenge, and it was not even revised by the VAR, bringing what was up until then a very positive evening for the new man to an end. Chelsea needed a to take a breather after the shock, but they were keener than ever to not let it affect them.

Much to the Craven Cottage crowd's delight, with less than 20 minutes left on the clock, the home side retook the lead after punishing Potter's 10-man side. Vinicius found a bit of space at the back post, and was the highest up to the deep cross, which he professionally scooped past Kepa for 2-1, sending the fans behind the goal into pure delirium.

In a desperate effort to try and get something from the game, Potter ordered the change of four men. This did encourage a late surge from the visitors, but nothing which managed to even challenge the home defence, and Fulham comfortably saw out their deserved win.

This result means that Fulham are bolstered up to 6th, ready for their next match-up away to Tyneside's Newcastle, while Chelsea remain 10th. It is back to the drawing board for their home tie against fellow Londoners Crystal Palace.