JOAO PEDRO continued the brilliant start to his Chelsea career as he sent them on their way against Fulham.
Enzo Maresca‘s men went, temporarily at least, top of the Premier League table as they made it back-to-back wins with a controversial victory.
AFPJoao Pedro scored his second goal in the Premier League[/caption]
Trevoh Chalobah was too soft in the backlineAFP
Summer signing Pedro gave the hosts the lead with a header in the dying seconds of the first half.
The Blues‘ afternoon was made more comfortable as Enzo Fernandez converted from the spot in the 56th minute.
Here’s how SunSport reporter Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea players…
Robert Sanchez – 6
Sanchez will have been relieved that Josh King’s opening goal was ruled out, given he was made to look rather silly with the near post finish.
Other than that, however, the Spaniard had a very, very quiet afternoon with little to do after the first half scare.
Malo Gusto – 6
A couple of fine, flying challenges to stop Fulham on the counter while also supporting the winger in flying forwards whenever he can.
Given how good he can be, it feels like Reece James may take the right-back spot from Gusto soon but the Frenchman is putting forwards a good case at the moment.
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Trevoh Chalobah – 5
A very difficult first half for the Blues defender.
Chalobah was lucky that VAR intervened in the build-up to Fulham’s disallowed goal after he was easily rolled by Rodrigo Muniz.
He was also easily beaten by Josh King not too long after that. Picked up in the second half.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6
A tough battle with former Fulham team-mates Muniz and Raul Jimenez a times but led the Blues back four well.
Came close to opening the scoring but could not react to get an effort on target after a corner deflected his way off of Kenny Tete.
Marc Cucurella – 6
The Spaniard was fairly untroubled throughout, keeping the danger down his side to a minimum – especially impressive after Adama Traore was thrown on to try and get Fulham back in.
As always, a ball of energy looking to cause trouble going forwards, but little joy on that front this weekend.
Moises Caicedo – 8
Shutterstock EditorialMoises Caicedo impressed in the midfield[/caption]
Despite having trained just once this week since the West Ham game, Caicedo put in another stellar display.
Dominant against a hefty Fulham midfield, the Ecuador international held everything together for the Blues.
And even when the control slipped, Caicedo was there to save the day – making a superb last-ditch challenge to deny Timothy Castange what looked a certain goal minutes before the Blues opened the scoring.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
AFPEnzo Fernandez converted from the spot[/caption]
A bizarre afternoon for the Chelsea captain, who shushed his own fans and raged at the fitness coach at half-time.
Some sloppy play in the first half but stepped up and helped Chelsea gain a little more control after the break, before pulling rank and keeping his cool to convert the penalty and double the lead.
Estevao – 6
GettyEstevao put in another bright display[/caption]
Another encouraging afternoon for the teenage winger.
Estevao showed his strength and power with a barge on Ryan Sessengnon in the first half, winning the ball before skipping away and past Calvin Bassey.
End product could do with some work still but plenty to be excited about.
Joao Pedro – 7
GettyPedro opened the scoring[/caption]
Another week and another goal for Pedro.
The Brazilian found space well and confidently nodded home his second Premier League goal of the season to get things rolling.
Pedro even kept his mouth shut when Enzo Fernandez wanted to claim the penalty and open his account for the campaign, giving his captain a hug for support before the spot kick.
Pedro Neto – 5
A lot of hard work for little reward.
With Alejandro Garnacho watching on and Jamie Gittens already providing competition from the bench, Neto will have to show more if he is to keep his place in the side.
Liam Delap – n/a
GettyLiam Delap went off injured[/caption]
The striker suffered a huge blow as he went off injured early in the first half.
Substitutes
Tyrique George (Delap, 13′) – 5
Thrown in much earlier than expected after Delap’s early injury and asked to lead the line – not his usual position.
It was a surprise George was even turned to given talks progressing over a move to Roma.
his was not a performance that will add any more to the transfer fee as George struggled to make an impact.
Jamie Gittens (Estevao, 67′) – 6
Offered precious little from the bench, although Chelsea were more seeing out the game rather than pushing desperately for a third goal once Gittens was sent on.
Andrey Santos (George, 81′) – n/a
Reece James (Neto, 81′) – n/a
Chelsea’s transfer deals
IN
Joao Pedro – from Brighton – £60m
Jamie Gittens – from Dortmund – £52m
Jorell Hato – from Ajax – £37m
Liam Delap – from Ipswich – £30m
Estevao – from Palmeiras – £54m
Dario Essugo – from Sporting Lisbon – £18.5m
Kendry Paez – from Independiente – £17.25m
Mamadou Sarr – from Strasbourg – £12m
Alejandro Garnacho – from Man Utd – £40m
TOTAL – £320.75m
OUT
Christopher Nkunku – to AC Milan – £38m
Noni Madueke – to Arsenal – £52m
Joao Felix – to Al-Nassr – £43.7m
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – to Everton – £30m
Renato Veiga – to Villarreal – £26m
Djordje Petrovic – to Bournemouth – £25m
Lesley Ugochukwu – to Burnley – £23m
Carney Chukwuemeka – to Dortmund £24m
Armando Broja – to Burnley – £15m
Bashir Humphreys – to Burnley – £10m
Mathis Amougou – to Strasbourg – £12.5m
Kepa Arrizabalaga – to Arsenal – £5m
Marcus Bettinelli – to Man City – £2m
TOTAL – £306.2m
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