Chelsea 0-0 Fulham: Blues stuttering form continues with draw against Marco Silva’s side despite transfer splurge

Fulham secured a 0-0 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

The result moves Marco Silva’s team up into sixth in the table, while Chelsea are in ninth as their stuttering form continues.

Despite a slew of new players, the home side settled into a nice rhythm early on, with Enzo Fernandez getting on the ball and dictating play from midfield.

However, for all of Chelsea’s possession, it was the visitors who had the first big chance of the match with Andreas Pereira’s driven effort from distance being pushed out for a corner by Kepa Arrizabalaga. It was the first warning shot from Marco Silva’s side who looked to pose a threat on the counter.

The hosts had their first big moment in front of goal after half an hour, Mason Mount fired in a superb ball from the left-hand side across the face of goal for Kai Havertz but the Germany international could only divert his effort wide of the target.

Potter’s side came within inches of taking the lead on the stroke of half time as Havertz lifted the ball over goalkeeper Bernd Leno but saw his effort rattle off the post.

Fulham continued to defend superbly – staying compact and frustrating Chelsea. Fernandez came close to a dream debut goal after 70 minutes as his whipped effort from distance flew just past the far post. It was the closest the Argentine came to getting his first goal for the club.

Chelsea had two huge chances to take the lead in quick succession around the 80 minute mark, Conor Gallagher saw his vicious effort from distance go a whisker wide of the post and into the side netting and just one minute later David Fofana had what was Chelsea’s best chance of the match. The 20-year-old was able to take it around goalkeeper Bernd Leno before striking towards goal but Tim Ream was on hand with a goal-saving clearance. It was a fantastic bit of defending from the American and prevented a certain opening goal for Chelsea.

Chelsea continued to push on late into the game but Silva’s side were able to withstand the pressure and leave Stamford Bridge with a precious point that takes them into the Premier League top six.

While for the Blues, their worrying run of form continues having just won one of their last six Premier League matches.

TALKING POINT – COTTAGERS CONTINUE TO IMPRESS

Tonight’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea takes Fulham to 32 points in the Premier League – which is already more than they managed in their last two Premier League campaigns, despite only being 22 games into the current season.

Marco Silva’s men have proved throughout the season that they aren’t in the Premier League simply to make up the numbers but that they believe they are capable of fighting at the top end of the table for a European position. The visitors defended superbly – particularly in the second half as they frustrated a Chelsea side eager to kick start a good run of form. Silva’s side now embark on a run of games that they will feel they are capable of getting points from and with each positive result, the belief from the supporters that they could really do something special will continue to grow.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – KENNY TETE (FULHAM)

Fulham had candidates for player of the match all over the pitch but Kenny Tete was a cut above the rest this evening. The Dutch defender worked tirelessly at both ends of the pitch, bombarding forward and managing to put in a couple of good crosses as well as defending stoutly when Chelsea poured forward. He won 10 of his 12 duels, made three interceptions, three clearances and put in one tackle. It was a thoroughly well-rounded performance from the 27-year-old.

PLAYER RATINGS

CHELSEA: Arrizabalaga 7, James 7, Silva 7, Badiashil 7, Cucurella 7, Gallagher 7, Fernandez 8, Mount 7, Ziyech 6, Havertz 6, Mudryk 6 SUBS: Madueke 7, Chilwell 6, Azipilicueta 6, Fofana 6, Sterling 6

FULHAM: Leno 8, Robinson 7, Ream 8, Diop 7, Tete 9, Palhinha 8, Reed 7, Willian 7, Pereira 7, Decordova-Reid 7, Mitrovic 7 SUBS: Wilson 7, Solomon 6, Kurzawa N/A, Vinicius N/A, Cairney N/A

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

24′ FIRST BIG CHANCE! – Joao Palhinha with a fantastic interception and pass into Andreas Pereira who strikes from distance and it’s saved well by Kepa. That’s the best chance for either side so far.

30′ BIG CHANCE MISSED! – Mason Mount fires a pass across the face of goal for Kai Havertz who can only put his effort over the bar from close range.

45′ WOODWORK! – So close to 1-0 for Chelsea! Hakim Ziyech plays a delightful ball over the top to Kai Havertz who lifts it over Leno but his effort rattles the post and goes back into play!

78′ SO CLOSE TO 1-0! – Conor Gallagher fires an effort from distance which goes just wide of the post and hits the side netting!

79′ BLOCKED OFF THE LINE! – Fofana latches onto the ball and takes it around Leno before firing an effort towards goal but Tim Ream is on hand to clear it away!

KEY STAT

Graham Potter has made 64 changes to Chelsea’s starting XI in his 15 Premier League games in charge so far. (via Opta Joe)