Fulham 1-2 Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown

𝕻𝖆𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 𝕮𝖍𝖚𝖗𝖈𝖍 𝕯𝖎𝖌𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖑 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

You need 6 min read

·

Post on Dec 27, 2024

44 visitor like this post

Share

Fulham 1-2 Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown – A Tactical Masterclass or a Fortunate Win?

The west London derby served up a thrilling encounter, with Chelsea snatching a 2-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. While the final scoreline might suggest a comfortable win for the Blues, the reality was a much tighter affair, showcasing tactical battles, individual brilliance, and a healthy dose of luck. This detailed player ratings breakdown dissects the performances of both sides, analyzing individual contributions and highlighting key moments that shaped the game.

Fulham Player Ratings: A Resilient but Ultimately Defeated Effort

Fulham, under the shrewd management of Marco Silva, displayed their usual grit and determination. However, they ultimately fell short against a Chelsea side that proved more clinical in front of goal.

Bernd Leno (7/10): Leno was arguably Fulham's best player. He made several crucial saves, denying Chelsea on multiple occasions and keeping the score respectable. His distribution was also commendable, launching several attacks from the back. While he couldn't prevent both goals, his performance was a testament to his quality.

Kenny Tete (6.5/10): Tete provided a solid defensive display, mostly neutralizing the threat posed down Chelsea's left flank. His attacking contributions were limited, but he fulfilled his defensive duties diligently.

Issa Diop (6/10): Diop had a mixed game. He won several important aerial duels but also looked vulnerable at times against Chelsea's pacey attackers. He needs to improve his positioning to consistently thwart Chelsea's attacks.

Tim Ream (6.5/10): Ream, Fulham's experienced center-back, offered stability and composure at the back. He made several key interceptions and displayed his usual calmness under pressure. He was a reliable presence in the Fulham defense.

Antonee Robinson (7/10): Robinson was a constant threat down the left flank, providing width and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. His tireless running and defensive work rate were exceptional, making him a crucial part of Fulham's attacking and defensive strategies.

Harrison Reed (7/10): Reed controlled the midfield battle for large spells, dictating the tempo of the game with his passing and tackling. His ability to break up play and initiate attacks from deep was instrumental in Fulham’s attempts to control the game. He was a key figure in Fulham's midfield dominance during portions of the game.

João Palhinha (6/10): Palhinha, known for his combative style, struggled to exert his usual influence on the game. While he put in some strong tackles, he lacked the composure and creativity to impact the match positively in the attacking phase.

Willian (6/10): Facing his former club, Willian delivered a performance that lacked the spark and creativity often associated with him. He showed moments of brilliance, but those moments were too few and far between to make a significant impact on the outcome of the match.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid (6.5/10): De Cordova-Reid worked tirelessly up front, causing problems for the Chelsea defense with his pace and movement. He was involved in the build-up to Fulham's goal and offered a constant threat.

Aleksandar Mitrović (7.5/10): Mitrović’s goal demonstrated his clinical finishing ability. While he wasn't heavily involved in the game overall, his ability to find the back of the net highlights his importance to the Fulham attack. He was a constant nuisance for the Chelsea defense.

Andreas Pereira (6/10): Pereira struggled to impact the game consistently. He showed flashes of his creative potential, but he lacked the final ball needed to unlock the Chelsea defense.

Chelsea Player Ratings: A Mix of Strengths and Weaknesses

Chelsea's victory was hard-fought, and their performance was far from flawless. While securing three points was crucial, questions remain about their overall consistency.

Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10): Kepa had a relatively quiet game, with Fulham not creating numerous high-quality chances. While he wasn't heavily tested, he dealt with the limited opportunities presented effectively.

Reece James (7/10): James was a constant threat down the right flank, delivering dangerous crosses and showcasing his attacking prowess. His defensive contributions were less impactful, but his attacking runs were a key feature of Chelsea's offensive output.

Thiago Silva (7.5/10): Silva, as always, was a rock at the back, displaying his class and experience. His reading of the game, composure on the ball, and ability to win aerial duels were pivotal to Chelsea’s defensive organization.

Wesley Fofana (7/10): Fofana put in a mature performance. His composure and ability to deal with Mitrović’s physical presence were crucial to Chelsea's ability to contain Fulham’s aerial threat.

Ben Chilwell (6.5/10): Chilwell offered a good balance of attacking and defensive contributions. While his attacking forays were less frequent than James’s, he provided solid defensive coverage on his flank.

Enzo Fernández (8/10): Fernández was undoubtedly Chelsea’s best performer. His vision, passing range, and work rate were exceptional. He controlled the midfield and dictated the tempo of the game, making him a crucial component of Chelsea's attacking and defensive transitions.

Conor Gallagher (7/10): Gallagher's energy and pressing were key to disrupting Fulham's midfield rhythm. His tireless runs and defensive contributions provided support to Enzo Fernández and helped Chelsea maintain control.

Mason Mount (6.5/10): Mount worked hard, showcasing his determination and pressing, but his final ball and creativity could have been more impactful. He was involved in the buildup of several attacks, but he lacked a decisive final product.

Mykhailo Mudryk (6/10): Mudryk showed glimpses of his talent, displaying his pace and dribbling skills, but his decision-making needs improvement. He needs to be more decisive in his final actions to translate his abilities into more tangible contributions.

Raheem Sterling (7/10): Sterling's pace and movement caused problems for the Fulham defense. His goal was a testament to his finishing ability. While not involved in the game for the full 90 minutes, his goal proved decisive.

Kai Havertz (6.5/10): Havertz's movement and link-up play were valuable. While he didn’t score, his contribution to Chelsea’s offensive transitions was crucial.

Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Victory with Tactical Nuances

The Fulham vs. Chelsea derby was a captivating encounter highlighting the contrasting styles of both managers. Fulham's resilient performance showcased their tactical flexibility and determination, while Chelsea’s victory underscored their individual quality and ability to snatch crucial goals. While the final scoreline might suggest a straightforward win for Chelsea, a closer analysis reveals a hard-fought victory built on individual brilliance and tactical maneuvering, leaving room for both sides to improve in future encounters. The game served as a reminder of the intense rivalry and unpredictable nature of west London derbies.