Fulham's 2-1 Win: Chelsea Player Ratings

𝕻𝖆𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 𝕮𝖍𝖚𝖗𝖈𝖍 𝕯𝖎𝖌𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖑 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Dec 27, 2024

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Fulham's 2-1 Win: Chelsea Player Ratings - A Disappointing Day at Craven Cottage

Fulham's 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Craven Cottage was a stark reminder of the gulf between the two London clubs. While Chelsea showed flashes of brilliance, ultimately inconsistency and defensive frailties proved their undoing. This match report will delve into a detailed analysis of each Chelsea player's performance, providing a comprehensive assessment of their contributions (or lack thereof) in this disappointing defeat.

A Tale of Two Halves:

The game was a microcosm of Chelsea's season so far: moments of exhilarating attacking play interspersed with periods of alarming defensive vulnerability. The first half saw Chelsea dominate possession, creating several chances, but lacking the cutting edge to convert them. The second half, however, told a different story. Fulham's more direct approach, coupled with Chelsea's defensive errors, led to a deserved victory for the home side.

Chelsea Player Ratings:

Goalkeeper:

• Robert Sánchez (6/10): Sánchez made a few decent saves, but ultimately couldn't prevent Fulham from scoring twice. He looked assured with the ball at his feet, but his distribution wasn't always accurate. He could do little about either goal, but a commanding presence was lacking at times. He needs to project more authority in the box.

Defenders:

• Reece James (7/10): One of Chelsea's brighter sparks. James offered relentless energy down the right flank, delivering dangerous crosses and contributing defensively. His attacking intent was a constant threat, but he was often left exposed by the midfield's lack of support. A solid performance, but not enough to prevent the loss.

• Axel Disasi (5/10): A mixed performance from the summer signing. Disasi showed glimpses of his strength and aerial ability, but he also looked uncomfortable at times against Fulham's fast-paced attack. He needs to improve his positioning and decision-making to truly cement his place in the starting XI. He looked lost on a few occasions, leading to Fulham's opportunities.

• Levi Colwill (6/10): Colwill showed moments of composure and strength, winning several crucial tackles. However, like his defensive partner, he struggled to deal with Fulham's pace and movement. A relatively solid performance considering the overall defensive shambles, but he needs to be more consistent.

• Ben Chilwell (5/10): Chilwell struggled to provide the same attacking impetus as James on the opposite flank. His defensive contribution was also underwhelming, failing to track back effectively on several occasions. He needs to offer more going forward and defensively to justify his starting place.

Midfielders:

• Enzo Fernández (7/10): One of Chelsea's best players on the day. Fernández showed his technical ability, dictating the tempo of the game and creating opportunities for his teammates. His passing was precise, and he tirelessly worked to win back possession. He was a beacon of consistency in a chaotic midfield.

• Conor Gallagher (5/10): Gallagher’s performance was uninspiring. He lacked creativity and his passing was often inaccurate. He struggled to influence the game positively, and his defensive work rate wasn't sufficient to cover the midfield's defensive deficiencies. A game he will want to quickly forget.

• Moisés Caicedo (6/10): Caicedo displayed his physical presence in midfield but struggled to impose himself on the game. He showed glimpses of his quality, but inconsistent passing and decision-making let him down. He needs to build on his strengths and address these weaknesses to perform at his potential.

Forwards:

• Raheem Sterling (6/10): Sterling's pace and direct running caused problems for the Fulham defence, but he lacked the clinical edge needed to convert his chances. He worked tirelessly, but his final ball let him down. A positive contribution, but a lack of end product hindered his impact.

• Nicolas Jackson (5/10): Jackson continues to show promise, but his finishing needs significant improvement. He had a few half-chances but failed to capitalise. His movement was good, but his overall contribution was underwhelming. He needs to be more decisive in front of goal.

• Mykhailo Mudryk (6/10): Mudryk's pace and dribbling ability were evident, causing Fulham problems. However, his final product was lacking. He needs to improve his decision-making in the final third to become a truly effective player. Showed moments of brilliance but lacks consistency.

Substitutes:

• Malo Gusto (N/A): Came on too late to have a significant impact.
• Armando Broja (N/A): Came on too late to have a significant impact.

Overall Analysis:

Chelsea's performance highlighted the ongoing struggles within the squad. Defensive vulnerabilities remain a major concern, while the lack of a clinical edge in attack is equally problematic. While individual players showed moments of quality, particularly Enzo Fernández and Reece James, the overall team performance was disjointed and lacked cohesion. The manager needs to address these issues swiftly if Chelsea are to challenge for honours this season. This loss serves as a significant wake-up call, highlighting the need for tactical adjustments and improved individual performances across the board. The win for Fulham, however, showcased their improved cohesion and tactical prowess, making it a truly deserved victory. The future remains uncertain for Chelsea, but this match certainly raises serious questions about their ability to consistently compete at the highest level.