Chelsea v Fulham LIVE: Result and reaction as Cole Palmer penalty enough for Blues to triumph

A single moment to lift the game but also, perhaps going against some of the noise, keep Chelsea‘s run going.

This nervy 1-0 win over Fulham ensured Mauricio Pochettino enjoyed three league wins in a row for the first time as manager of the club. It was still badly-needed relief after the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Middlesbrough, and all the more crucial given they now face three games that could set the entire season. There’s the return in the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Aston Villa and then another difficult Premier League game away to Liverpool. They needed this.

They also, very evidently, need Cole Palmer. In a first half where nobody could seem to play a pass that wasn’t flat and everyone looked unable to do anything that might hurt the opposition, the playmaker saw a fraction of space in the box and slipped through the most insightful ball. It is what Chelsea have been badly lacking, beyond this game.

Read Miguel Delaney’s full report from Stamford Bridge:

Raheem Sterling chats to the TNT Sports crew about the victory and Cole Palmer’s influence

Chelsea’s match against Fulham might have been billed as a west London derby, but the first half was largely dominated by a lack of quality on the pitch and a bizarre performance from the sidelines.

Mauricio Pochettino had already mentioned the film Argylle, which is being produced by one of Blues owner Todd Boehly’s companies, in his pre-match press conference but few could have predicted what would take place behind the Chelsea manager on the touchline.

Argylle is due to be released in February 2024 and has Henry Cavill and Dua Lipa among an impressive cast list for the spy thriller.

At seemingly random intervals, a group of men in dark green velvet jackets stood up and on one occasion held up books, at another seemed to be brushing their teeth, and at a further time were pointing at imaginary wristwatches.

And that’s it! Chelsea hang on to win 1-0.

90+5 mins: It’s a good ball in and Fulham attackers take a couple of swipes at it but so many blue shirts are in there throwing themselves in front of the ball! Fernandez with a key block.

Chelsea eventually thump clear.

90+4 mins: A long throw from Fulham into the box to try and snatch an equaliser but it’s scrambled clear. The Cottagers then win a free-kick out on the right and will have a last chance to pump it into the box.

90 mins: Into five minutes of injury time and Chelsea hanging on to this lead. Gallagher sees a shot blocked trying to finish it off.

A couple of final subs for Chelsea as Gilchrist and Chukwuemeka on for Palmer and Gusto.

84 mins: So close for Chelsea! Gallagher is inches away from finishing the game as a contest. He strikes the ball with the outside of his boot but it thuds against the foot of the post

Just before that, Fulham make two subs as Rodrigo Muniz and Sasa Lukic come on for Andreas Pereira and Joao Palhinha

79 mins: A dangerous-looking break for Fulham, so Thiago Silva hacks down Jimenez on halfway. He gets a yellow card but he knew exactly what he was doing.

Palmer then also yellow-carded as he kicks the ball away to stop the quick free-kick.

76 mins: A clattering foul about 25-30 yards out committed by Chelsea and Disasi kicks the ball away in the aftermath, getting a yellow card for his troubles. Pereira’s free-kick flies well over though.

But here’s some great news for Chelsea! Ben Chilwell makes his injury return, coming on for the final 15 minutes in place of Raheem Sterling. He immediately takes the captain’s armband. A job for him to do to help see out this win.