Chelsea discipline issues resurface as Fulham claim derby victory | OneFootball

Fulham edge Chelsea as Wilson delivers decisive moment

Chelsea arrived at Craven Cottage in a state of transition and left with more questions than answers. New head coach Liam Rosenior, appointed but not yet in the dugout, watched from the stands as Fulham claimed a 2-1 derby victory defined by control, patience and one moment of attacking clarity from Harry Wilson.

Rosenior could only observe as events unfolded quickly and unfavourably. Marc Cucurella’s dismissal in the 22nd minute tilted the contest decisively, leaving Chelsea chasing structure as much as the ball. Fulham, comfortable in their surroundings, took their time to make the advantage count, confident that opportunities would come.

Red card shifts momentum early

Chelsea’s task became significantly harder when Cucurella hauled down Wilson as the winger broke into space. The referee judged it a professional foul and produced a red card. It was Chelsea’s eighth dismissal of the season in all competitions, a statistic that continues to underline issues of discipline and game management.

Under caretaker boss Calum McFarlane, Chelsea attempted to regroup. They defended with resilience for long spells and even found a route back into the match, but playing with ten men against an organised Fulham side demanded near perfection. That was something Chelsea could not sustain across 90 minutes.

Wilson influence grows at Craven Cottage

Fulham’s opener arrived after 55 minutes when Raul Jimenez powered home a header, reward for mounting pressure. Chelsea responded swiftly. From a corner, Antonee Robinson almost diverted the ball into his own net, it rebounded off the post and Liam Delap reacted sharply to score from four yards.

Yet the evening belonged to Wilson. Having tormented Chelsea before the break, he delivered the decisive act nine minutes from time. A deft touch inside the area took him past Jorrel Hato and his half volley flew low into the left corner beyond Robert Sanchez. It was a finish of confidence and composure, greeted with a roar from the home support.

Wilson’s resurgence has been central to Fulham’s rise. Since the start of November, only Erling Haaland has recorded more Premier League goal involvements. Fulham, once looking nervously over their shoulder, now sit level on points with Chelsea and firmly in the conversation for European places.

Chelsea face familiar concerns

For Rosenior, the view from the directors’ box was sobering. Anti ownership banners and chants framed a performance marked by frustration. After the red card, further bookings for dissent followed, highlighting a lack of emotional control.

Chelsea slip to seventh, below Brentford, and with 17 league games still to play, the new head coach faces an immediate challenge. Fulham, meanwhile, continue to move forward with assurance, their season gathering momentum at precisely the right time.