Chelsea-Fulham: Post-Match Player Ratings

𝕻𝖆𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 𝕮𝖍𝖚𝖗𝖈𝖍 𝕯𝖎𝖌𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖑 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Dec 27, 2024

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Chelsea-Fulham: Post-Match Player Ratings - A Comprehensive Analysis

The London derby between Chelsea and Fulham always promises fireworks, and this match was no exception. While the final score might suggest a comfortable victory for one side, the underlying performance offered a more nuanced picture. Let's delve into a detailed post-match player rating analysis, assessing individual contributions and highlighting key moments that shaped the game.

Chelsea Player Ratings:

Goalkeeper:

• Kepa Arrizabalaga (7.5/10): Kepa had a relatively quiet game, but his commanding presence in the box and a crucial save in the second half prevented Fulham from getting back into the game. His distribution was also sharp, initiating several Chelsea attacks from the back. While not heavily tested, he maintained focus and provided a solid foundation for the defence.

Defenders:

• Reece James (8.5/10): James was a constant threat down the right flank. His tireless running, pinpoint crosses, and defensive solidity made him a standout performer. His overlapping runs caused Fulham's defense constant headaches, creating numerous scoring opportunities for Chelsea's attackers. A deservedly high rating.

• Thiago Silva (8/10): The veteran defender continues to defy age. His reading of the game, impeccable positioning, and calm demeanor at the back were instrumental in keeping a clean sheet. He marshalled the defence with authority and showed his class with several crucial interceptions.

• Wesley Fofana (7/10): A solid performance from Fofana, showcasing his physical strength and aerial prowess. He dealt comfortably with Fulham's attacking threats and maintained his composure under pressure. While not as spectacular as some of his teammates, he played his part effectively.

• Ben Chilwell (7.5/10): Chilwell offered a constant attacking threat down the left flank, providing width and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. His defensive contributions were also noteworthy, consistently tracking back to support the defence. His link-up play with the attacking players was excellent.

Midfielders:

• Enzo Fernandez (8/10): Fernandez controlled the midfield with his vision, passing accuracy, and tactical intelligence. He dictated the tempo of the game, creating chances for his teammates and breaking up Fulham's attacks. His range of passing was impressive, consistently finding teammates in advanced positions.

• Mason Mount (7/10): Mount worked tirelessly in midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively. While he didn't find the back of the net, his tireless running and creative passing created numerous opportunities for Chelsea's forwards. His work rate was commendable.

• Conor Gallagher (6.5/10): Gallagher provided energy and tenacity in midfield, breaking up play and winning back possession. While his attacking contributions were less impactful than others, his defensive work was crucial in maintaining control of the midfield battle.

Forwards:

• Raheem Sterling (7.5/10): Sterling caused Fulham's defence constant problems with his pace, dribbling skills, and intelligent movement. While he didn't score, his contributions to Chelsea's attacking play were vital. His link-up play with the midfielders was particularly effective.

• Kai Havertz (9/10): Havertz was the star of the show. His two goals showcased his clinical finishing and his ability to find space in the box. His movement was intelligent, constantly creating problems for Fulham's defence. A man-of-the-match performance.

• Mykhailo Mudryk (6/10): Mudryk showed glimpses of his talent, showcasing his pace and dribbling ability. However, he needs to improve his decision-making in the final third to make a more significant impact on the game. Potential is there, but consistency is key.

Substitutes:

• N'Golo Kanté (N/A): Came on too late to warrant a rating.

• Carney Chukwuemeka (N/A): Came on too late to warrant a rating.

Fulham Player Ratings:

Goalkeeper:

• Bernd Leno (6/10): Leno made several good saves, but he couldn't prevent Chelsea's goals. He was let down by his defense on several occasions. A decent performance, but ultimately not enough to stop the Chelsea onslaught.

Defenders:

• Kenny Tete (5.5/10): Struggled to contain Reece James’ attacking threat. His defensive positioning was often questionable, leaving gaps for Chelsea to exploit.

• Tim Ream (6/10): A relatively solid performance from Ream, but he was occasionally outmuscled by Chelsea's attackers. His passing was accurate, but his overall impact on the game was limited.

• Issa Diop (5/10): Diop had a difficult game, struggling to cope with Chelsea's attacking prowess. He looked uncomfortable under pressure and was often caught out of position.

• Antonee Robinson (6.5/10): Robinson was one of Fulham's better performers, offering a decent attacking threat and showing some resilience in defence. However, he couldn't prevent Chelsea from creating too many opportunities.

Midfielders:

• Harrison Reed (6/10): Reed worked hard in midfield, but he was often overrun by Chelsea's midfielders. His passing was accurate, but his influence on the game was limited.

• João Palhinha (6.5/10): Palhinha was Fulham's most influential midfielder, winning tackles and breaking up play. His presence was felt, but he couldn't prevent Chelsea from dominating the midfield battle.

• Willian (5/10): A disappointing performance from Willian against his former club. He lacked creativity and influence, failing to create any significant chances for his teammates.

Forwards:

• Aleksandar Mitrović (6/10): Mitrović worked hard but was starved of service. He was isolated upfront for large parts of the game.

Substitutes:

• Bobby De Cordova-Reid (N/A): Came on too late to warrant a rating.

• ** Manor Solomon (N/A):** Came on too late to warrant a rating.

Conclusion:

Chelsea's victory was a deserved one, demonstrating their superior quality and attacking prowess. While Fulham showed moments of resilience, Chelsea’s midfield dominance and clinical finishing proved too much to handle. The player ratings reflect the individual performances, highlighting the exceptional displays from players like Havertz and James while also acknowledging the areas where Fulham struggled to match their opponents' intensity and quality. This match serves as a testament to the ever-evolving dynamics of the London derby and the competitive landscape of the Premier League. Looking ahead, both teams will need to address the weaknesses exposed in this match to achieve their respective objectives this season.