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Chelsea vs Fulham LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction after late Muniz goal shocks Blues

The Blues welcomed Fulham for a west London derby but suffered a surprise late turnaround

Karl Matchett
Thursday 26 December 2024 12:40 EST
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Chelsea 'can't rely' on Palmer in every game - Maresca

Chelsea hosted Fulham at Stamford Bridge in a London derby but suffered a surprise late turnaround, with Rodrigo Muniz netting a stoppage-time comeback winner.

Enzo Maresca’s side were hoping to keep the pressure on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League and started well, Cole Palmer opening the scoring after just 15 minutes with a supremely accurate, placed shot into the bottom corner from outside the box. They couldn’t build on that lead though, despite dominating large stretches, and Marco Silva’s side looked far better after the break.

Even so, Chelsea looked like taking the points all the way until the final ten minutes - when two substitutes had the desired impact, first Harry Wilson heading in from close range and then Muniz sealing the victory with a coolly taken effort to cap off a counter-attack, way past the 90-minute mark for a first Cottagers’ win at Stamford Bridge since 1979.

Follow all the latest action from Stamford Bridge below:

26’ - Chelsea 1-0 Fulham

Sancho almost tees up Jackson after a decent dribble infield - Castagne hasn’t laid a glove on the winger yet. The same could be said for Fulham in general to be fair, as they haven’t really got started and seem too sluggish in defence to halt the home team’s advances.

Lots of loose passes from those in white shirts. Marco Silva is getting irate on the touchline; presumably the fans aren’t delighted either but for now they content themselves by jeering their opposite numbers for being quiet.

Iwobi then sets off on a run in his own half and just...doesn’t stop! A fine burst, past three challenges ending in a left-footed shot - Sanchez gets down well to save. Much better from Iwobi.

Karl Matchett26 December 2024 15:26

22’ - Chelsea 1-0 Fulham

Again Palmer has the next effort, on target but weak, followed by a longer-range strike from Pereira, which has all the power and none of the accuracy. Miles over.

(Getty Images)
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Karl Matchett26 December 2024 15:24

18’ - Chelsea 1-0 Fulham

Almost another chance for Chelsea as Fulham dally around on the ball in their own box, but Leno escapes to grasp it.

Neto down the right then fashions an opening with a cut-back, but between them Palmer and Jackson can’t get a powerful shot away.

Jimenez whips one wide at the other end after an immediate throw down field.

Karl Matchett26 December 2024 15:21

GOAL! 15’ - Chelsea 1-0 Fulham

Out of nothing, Cole Palmer scores the opener!

A simple turn in the middle of the half, he suddenly puts on a burst of pace, skips away from the two closest defenders and then side-foots the most gentle, and accurate, finish you’ll see this weekend - through the legs of one defender and right inside the corner of the net, leaving Leno stunned.

1-0 to Chelsea.

Karl Matchett26 December 2024 15:17

12’ - Chelsea 0-0 Fulham

Sancho again gets the better of Castagne, combining this time with Palmer just inside the area, but Fulham get numbers back to force the Blues away for now.

A strong start from the hosts, without really threatening Leno too much.

Most of Fulham’s early promise has come down their left, with Iwobi lively, and Jimenez now shoots from that corner of the penalty box and it’s on target...but soft, and easy for Sanchez.

Karl Matchett26 December 2024 15:15

8’ - Chelsea 0-0 Fulham

Not too much early goalmouth action to report but Chelsea tend to like building control before swarming forward from higher upfield.

Sancho dips a cross just over Jackson and looking for Neto, but Leno is able to gather; Adama and Iwobi combine at the other end but Tosin is again in place to clear. This is only the sixth league start of the season for the former Fulham man, so he’ll be happy to be in place against his old side.

Karl Matchett26 December 2024 15:11

4’ - Chelsea 0-0 Fulham

Bright start from the hosts. Neto tries to make ground down the right twice, then Robinson attempts to do the same at the other end of the pitch. Good recovery run from Tosin to clear.

Karl Matchett26 December 2024 15:06

1’ - Chelsea 0-0 Fulham

Right, we’re underway. Chelsea excellent overall this season but needing better form at home perhaps. What can Fulham do to keep the trend going?

Karl Matchett26 December 2024 15:02

Chelsea v Fulham - live

Just about ready to go at Stamford Bridge. Fulham could go as high as fifth with a win, though it would have to be a big one. More importantly, going a sixth straight league game unbeaten would keep their momentum and confidence and see them remain in touch with the European places.

Karl Matchett26 December 2024 14:59

Chelsea v Fulham - live

The Cottagers have had a relatively settled side for much of this term, though Joachim Andersen has missed matches through injury.

Perhaps the one member of the team today who wouldn’t generally be considered a first-choice is right wing-back Timothy Castagne - he’s making just a third league start of 24/25 and he’s played only 268 league minutes all season.

Quite the task then to be facing up to an in-form Jadon Sancho. That head to head battle could turn out key.

Karl Matchett26 December 2024 14:53

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