Chelsea’s frustrating habit of inconsistency was once again exposed in their 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage, a result that underlined just how much work still lies ahead for the club.
Incoming head coach Liam Rosenior, watching from the stands ahead of his official arrival, was given a clear and uncomfortable preview of the challenges he is about to inherit.
The performance offered brief flashes of promise, but those moments were overshadowed by familiar flaws that have repeatedly undermined Chelsea throughout the season.
The visitors started the contest with noticeable intent, moving the ball quickly and showing confidence in possession during the opening exchanges. Their attacking play suggested that there is still plenty of quality within the squad, as they looked eager to take control and impose themselves early on.
However, Fulham appeared well prepared for this approach, remaining calm and compact while allowing Chelsea to enjoy the ball in non-threatening areas. Whenever Chelsea’s shape became disorganized or their focus dipped, Fulham looked dangerous and ready to exploit the slightest opening.
The turning point of the match arrived midway through the first half in dramatic fashion. Marc Cucurella was dismissed after dragging down Harry Wilson as the Fulham winger surged through on goal.
The straight red card completely altered the complexion of the game, leaving Chelsea with a numerical disadvantage and once again highlighting their ongoing issues with discipline.
What had been a competitive contest instantly became a far more demanding task for the visitors.
With Chelsea reduced to ten men, Fulham grew in confidence and began to dictate the tempo. The home side patiently probed for weaknesses, taking advantage of the spaces that emerged as Chelsea hurriedly reshuffled their defensive structure.
That growing pressure eventually told shortly after the interval when Raul Jimenez climbed above his marker to power a header past Robert Sanchez, finishing off a perfectly delivered cross and giving Fulham a deserved lead.
Chelsea attempted to adapt by retreating deeper and relying on counter-attacks, but their decision-making in key moments continued to let them down. Passes went astray, attacks broke down too easily, and promising situations were often wasted through poor choices.
Even so, to their credit, Chelsea refused to completely fold. Showing determination and resilience, they managed to claw their way back into the game despite being a man down.
Their equalizer came through persistence rather than polish. Liam Delap reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner, forcing it over the line after Fulham failed to clear their lines convincingly. The goal briefly silenced the home crowd and sparked hope that Chelsea might somehow escape with a valuable point.
That renewed optimism, however, was short-lived. Fulham responded with increased urgency and sharper attacking intent, continuing to push forward with purpose. Wilson, who had been a constant menace throughout the match, ultimately proved decisive.
Capitalizing on a loose ball inside the penalty area, he finished calmly to restore Fulham’s lead and secure the victory. For Rosenior, it was a sobering first glimpse of the rebuilding task that awaits him at Chelsea.
