Fulham
Chelsea
Match Commentary
Fulham vs Chelsea Match Overview: 2-1 Premier League
Craven Cottage lived every second of it. The Fulham vs Chelsea Score finished 2-1 on 2026-01-07, a night that swung on a red card, a VAR sting, and two moments of ruthless Fulham finishing. Raul Jimenez powered Fulham in front with a classic centre-forward header, Liam Delap dragged 10-man Chelsea level from a rebound, and then Harry Wilson had the final, decisive say late on to seal a famous Fulham vs Chelsea Result. For Marco Silva’s side it felt like a statement of nerve; for Chelsea it was a maddening mix of control, chances, and collapse.
First Half: Red-card chaos, VAR heartbreak, and a tense stalemate
The opening exchanges set the tone for a frantic Premier League match report. Fulham started with intent and nearly struck immediately when Harry Wilson broke through one-on-one, only for Robert Sanchez to spring across goal and keep Chelsea alive. Chelsea responded with their own spell of pressure, winning corners and probing through Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez, while Bernd Leno was forced into sharp work to hold a Palmer effort through traffic.
Then came the flashpoint that reshaped the Fulham vs Chelsea Match Overview. Marc Cucurella’s challenge tipped the contest into controversy and, after VAR intervention, Chelsea were reduced to 10 men. The temperature rose instantly: yellow cards followed, the rhythm shattered, and the game became about emotional control as much as tactics.
Fulham thought they had landed a huge blow just before the break when Wilson finished a crisp move, but VAR intervened again—this time to disallow the goal for offside in the build-up. Craven Cottage groaned, Chelsea exhaled, and the teams went in level, with Fulham encouraged by their territory and Chelsea clinging to the fact they were still in it despite the dismissal.
- Marc Cucurella sent off after a VAR review, leaving Chelsea with 10 men.
- Harry Wilson denied early by a superb Robert Sanchez save in a one-on-one.
- Fulham’s stoppage-time Wilson goal ruled out for offside after VAR intervention.
- Cole Palmer forces Bernd Leno into a solid save as Chelsea threaten despite the chaos.
Second Half: Jimenez breaks through, Delap responds, Wilson delivers the winner
Fulham emerged with the air of a side that knew the opportunity was there, but Chelsea—down a man—still carried bite on the break and from set pieces. Pedro Neto began to tilt the pitch with direct running and dangerous deliveries, while Chelsea’s corners piled up as they tried to turn pressure into a lifeline.
The breakthrough arrived on 55 minutes and it was pure striker craft. Fulham worked the ball into a crossing position and Raul Jimenez attacked it with conviction, his header bouncing into the corner for the opening goal. It was the kind of finish that silences any argument about numbers: timing, strength, and precision.
But the Fulham vs Chelsea Highlights didn’t stop there. Chelsea refused to fold and, after a wave of pressure and a string of chances, Liam Delap pounced on a loose ball in the area to level at 1-1. It felt like the moment Chelsea might steal it—especially given how many big chances they were creating even with 10.
Fulham’s response was immediate and brave. Chances fell their way as they pushed bodies forward: Jimenez was denied from close range, and Fulham’s substitutes helped keep the tempo high. Then, with the match tightening and nerves creeping in, Fulham found their winning moment. Another attack broke Chelsea’s resistance, and Wilson—so often at the heart of Fulham’s best work—reacted quickest to a rebound and drilled low inside the post for 2-1. Craven Cottage erupted, and Fulham managed the final minutes with the kind of composure that turns a big night into three points.
- Raul Jimenez heads Fulham in front early in the second half.
- Liam Delap equalises for Chelsea from a rebound during sustained pressure.
- Harry Wilson strikes late from a rebound to win it for Fulham.
- Chelsea’s late corners and Neto-driven pressure come up short at the final whistle.
Fulham vs Chelsea Stats Breakdown
The Fulham vs Chelsea Stats tell a fascinating story: Fulham won 2-1, but Chelsea produced the bigger chance profile. Chelsea posted 2.39 xG to Fulham’s 1.20, and registered four big chances to Fulham’s one. Even with 10 men, Chelsea carried a real threat, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing Leno into key saves.
Fulham, though, were more efficient when it mattered and more forceful in the moments that decide matches. They edged possession (55% to 45%), blocked a huge volume of attempts (8 blocked shots), and won the physical battle in duels (52 to 41). Chelsea dominated the corner count (11 to 2), but Fulham’s defensive organisation and last-ditch interventions repeatedly turned danger into relief.
From a Fulham vs Chelsea Analysis perspective, the game hinged on two things: Chelsea’s ability to create chances despite the red card, and Fulham’s ability to stay emotionally steady after the VAR-disallowed goal. Fulham’s finishing—two goals from their key moments—proved decisive, while Chelsea’s wastefulness and the early dismissal left them needing perfection they couldn’t quite find.
Key numbers: Total shots: Fulham 16, Chelsea 14. Shots on target: Fulham 5, Chelsea 6. xG: Fulham 1.20, Chelsea 2.39. Possession: Fulham 55%, Chelsea 45.
Fulham vs Chelsea Lineups
Fulham XI (3-4-2-1): Bernd Leno; Issa Diop, Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca; Timothy Castagne, Sander Berge, Tom Cairney, Antonee Robinson; Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe; Raul Jimenez.
Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez; Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella; Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo; Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto; Liam Delap.
Notable substitutions: Fulham introduced Kevin at half-time and later brought on Sasa Lukic, Ryan Sessegnon, Harrison Reed, and Adama Traore to see out the win. Chelsea were forced into an early change with Jorrel Hato on, then later turned to Reece James, Joao Pedro, and Josh Acheampong as they chased the game.
Player of the Match
Harry Wilson (Fulham) edged it in a match packed with swings. He had an early one-on-one saved, saw a first-half finish chalked off by VAR, and still kept going until the late winner arrived. In a night of pressure and noise, Wilson delivered the moment Fulham needed most—an unforgettable chapter in the Fulham vs Chelsea Match Report.
What the Result Means
This Fulham vs Chelsea Result will feel enormous for Fulham’s belief: beating Chelsea in a high-stress London derby, surviving the emotional setbacks, and finding a late winner is the kind of night that can lift a season. For Chelsea, the story is harsher. Even in a “Chelsea match today” defined by adversity, they created enough to take something, but the red card and missed margins left them empty-handed.
Both sides will take lessons forward. Fulham can point to resilience, game management, and clinical finishing. Chelsea will look at their chance creation, set-piece pressure, and the discipline that turned a difficult game into a near-impossible one.
The referee blows his whistle for the final time to end this match.
90+5'
Sasa Lukic (Fulham) quickly takes the corner kick with a short pass.
90+2'
Calum McFarlane gets a yellow card, off the field.
90+1'
The referee signals that it is time for a substitution and Adama Traore (Fulham) comes onto the pitch so that Harry Wilson can be given a rest.
90'
5 additional min. will be played.
90'
A yellow card for a tackle by Raul Jimenez (Fulham). Peter Bankes doesn't hesitate at all to make this decision.
87'
The resulting corner, taken by Reece James (Chelsea), comes to nothing.
86'
The resulting corner from Pedro Neto (Chelsea) is cleared by the opposition's defence.
86'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) collects a pass inside the box and unleashes a shot which is brilliantly blocked by a defender. The ball is out of play. Chelsea win a corner kick.
83'
Harrison Reed (Fulham) joins the action as a substitute, replacing Emile Smith Rowe.
81'
2 - 1
Goal! Harry Wilson (Fulham) was in the right place at the right time to get to the rebound inside the box and gleefully rifles the ball low inside the left post. It's 2:1.
80'
Raul Jimenez (Fulham) tries to head the rebound into the net from close range, but the goalkeeper pulls off a good save to deny him.
78'
Timothy Castagne (Fulham) is yellow-carded for breaking the rules of the game.
78'
The ball rebounds outside of the penalty area and falls to Kevin (Fulham) who directs his shot to the middle of the goal, but the keeper is there to stop his effort.
76'
A substitution has been made. Malo Gusto goes off and Josh Acheampong (Chelsea) comes on.
75'
Substitution. Cole Palmer makes way for Joao Pedro (Chelsea).
75'
Peter Bankes blows the whistle, Sander Berge (Fulham) is penalised for a foul.
73'
Marco Silva has decided to introduce fresh legs, with Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham) replacing Antonee Robinson.
73'
Substitution. Tom Cairney leaves the pitch and is replaced by Sasa Lukic (Fulham).
72'
1 - 1
Goal! Liam Delap (Chelsea) fires the rebound into the middle of the goal after the ball breaks to him in the box. The score is 1:1.
72'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) will take the corner.
71'
The ball is whipped in from the corner by Pedro Neto (Chelsea), but one of the defenders gets it clear.
70'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) launches a powerful cross from the corner into the box, but the ball is intercepted by the defender.
70'
Cole Palmer (Chelsea) zig-zags his way into the box and drills a low shot towards the right post, but the goalkeeper pulls off a superb stop. The linesman points to the corner flag, Chelsea are going to take it.
70'
Kevin (Fulham) whips the ball into the box and Emile Smith Rowe takes a perfect touch to control it, but one of the defenders does well to intercept.
69'
Moises Caicedo (Chelsea) does well to control a poor pass on the edge of the box then shoots low towards the middle of the goal. Bernd Leno is out of position but leaps to make a brilliant save.
68'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) dinks a cross into the box in an attempt to find one of his teammates, but the defence manages to clear.
65'
Substitution. Reece James (Chelsea) replaces Enzo Fernandez.
64'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) swings in the corner, but it's comfortably cleared away.
64'
Superb touch by Liam Delap (Chelsea) as he receives a precise pass inside the box. He finds the keeper prepared as he unleashes his shot to the left side of the goal. Wonderful save!
62'
A pass by Timothy Castagne (Fulham) ends up in no man's land, and the attacking effort comes to an end.
60'
Sander Berge (Fulham) attempts to find one of his teammates with a fine lofted pass, but the defence reacts well to intercept the effort.
59'
Peter Bankes has a clear sight and sees a foul from Liam Delap (Chelsea).
58'
Kevin (Fulham) finds some space on the edge of the box after some nice individual play and curls a shot in on goal, but the ball flies just wide of the left post. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Chelsea.
56'
Liam Delap (Chelsea) was too forceful with his tackle and Peter Bankes interrupted the game to signal a free kick. It's a free kick to Fulham, but it's in no position for a direct shot on goal.
55'
1 - 0
Raul Jimenez (Fulham) leaps to connect with a lovely cross and scores with a header that bounces off the ground and goes inside the right post. The goalkeeper had no chance to make a save.
54'
Jorrel Hato (Chelsea) rises above the defence to meet the corner. His timing is good, but he directs his header just a few inches over the bar. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Fulham.
54'
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) will try to find the head of one of his teammates from a corner kick.
53'
Fantastic run and shot from mid-range by Pedro Neto (Chelsea), but a defender denies him an almost certain goal by getting his body in the way. The referee blows his whistle, Chelsea are awarded a corner kick.
53'
Antonee Robinson (Fulham) crosses the ball forward but it is intercepted.
52'
The defence is alert as they clear a dangerous cross from Timothy Castagne (Fulham).
52'
Kevin (Fulham) sends the ball into the box from the side of the pitch, but his cross is blocked.
50'
Harry Wilson (Fulham) takes the corner with a short pass.
48'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) produces a lovely ball into the penalty area but the defender manages to intercept and comfortably averts the danger.
47'
Kevin (Fulham) whips the ball into the penalty area, but one of the defenders is alert and spanks it away.
46'
Marco Silva has decided to make a substitution during the half-time break. Kevin comes on the pitch for Jorge Cuenca (Fulham).
46'
Peter Bankes blows his whistle and the second half starts.
45+8'
That is it for the first half after the referee blows his whistle and the players head to their respective dressing rooms.
45+7'
Jorge Cuenca (Fulham) is awarded a yellow card for his tackle. He doesn't seem to agree with the decision, but Peter Bankes ignores the protests.
45+7'
Peter Bankes interrupts the game for a tactical foul by Jorge Cuenca (Fulham). That's a free kick to Chelsea.
45+5'
Here comes the VAR verdict. NO GOAL for Fulham due to an offside in the build-up play.
45+5'
Wait! Referee Peter Bankes has indicated he is going to review the Fulham goal using VAR. It’s probably to see if there was an offside in the build-up.
45+4'
Goal! After receiving a sweet pass, Harry Wilson (Fulham) unleashes a shot straight into the bottom right corner. Good team effort!
45+3'
Fulham seem to be finding their feet as they enjoy some possession. They are waiting for the right moment to create new attacking opportunities.
45'
We will have 6 min. of added time.
45'
Moises Caicedo (Chelsea) has picked up a minor injury, but it looks like he will be able to continue.
44'
Moises Caicedo (Chelsea) requires medical treatment, so the referee stops play and signals for the physio to come onto the pitch.
42'
Emile Smith Rowe (Fulham) takes a shot after receiving a good pass, but his effort from the edge of the box goes just over the crossbar. The ball goes out of play and Chelsea will have a goal kick.
41'
The ball is laid off to Cole Palmer (Chelsea) on the edge of the box. He shoots through a crowd of players towards the middle of the goal and forces Bernd Leno to make a decent save.
41'
Antonee Robinson (Fulham) attempts to find his teammate with a pass from outside the box, but the opposition's defence is quick to react and thwarts the attack.
39'
Harry Wilson (Fulham) sends a long ball forward to Timothy Castagne, but he put too much power and the chance is gone. The ball is behind the touchline and Chelsea will take a throw-in.
38'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) sends a long crossfield pass searching out one of his teammates, but his effort comes to nothing and they lose possession.
37'
Antonee Robinson (Fulham) makes a bad challenge and the referee blows his whistle for a foul. Chelsea have a free kick.
34'
Timothy Castagne (Fulham) attempts a long crossfield pass, but the defence does well to intercept the ball.
33'
Peter Bankes blows his whistle after Sander Berge (Fulham) brings one of his opponents down with a strong tackle. Chelsea will take a free kick near the side line.
31'
Antonee Robinson (Fulham) sends a cross into the box, but the opposition's defence quickly intercepts the ball.
28'
Andrey Santos (Chelsea) is substituted due to injury. Calum McFarlane gives a chance to Jorrel Hato.
27'
Harry Wilson (Fulham) floats the free kick into the box, but it's easily cleared by the first man.
26'
Although Marco Silva (Fulham) is just on the bench, Peter Bankes has awarded him with a yellow card. Unsporting behavior says the referee.
25'
Cole Palmer (Chelsea) uses the wrong choice of words while trying to explain something to the referee and receives a yellow card for dissent.
25'
Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea) was probably a bit loose with his words to Peter Bankes, who decides to show him a yellow.
24'
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) has too much to say to the referee and is cautioned.
24'
The ref’s original red card decision for Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) is upheld after a VAR review!
23'
It's been a while since that contentious challenge by Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), but referee Peter Bankes must have received some information as he makes the VAR signal. He's going to review and it could result in a red card!
22'
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) receives a red card after his awful challenge. He completely lost his temper and referee Peter Bankes sends him off the pitch.
22'
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) goes over to take a corner kick after one of the defenders makes a good clearance.
21'
The resulting corner from Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) is cleared. Chelsea will take a corner kick.
21'
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) gets on the end of a good pass and from mid-range he unleashes a decent strike, but the shot is blocked by the defender. Chelsea have a corner.
19'
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) attempts to find a teammate with the corner, but the effort is snuffed out by the goalkeeper.
19'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) fails to find any of his teammates inside the box as his pass is blocked. Good work from Chelsea as they win a corner.
18'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) attempts to send over a cross in order to find one of his teammates, but an opposition defender averts the danger by intercepting the effort.
17'
Tom Cairney (Fulham) collects a pass on the edge of the box and unleashes a shot which is brilliantly blocked by a defender.
16'
The players claim that Cole Palmer (Chelsea) handled the ball and it seems they are right. It's a free kick to Fulham in a dangerous position.
15'
Harry Wilson (Fulham) latches on to a precise defence-splitting pass and fires a nice strike from a promising distance towards the left post. Robert Sanchez has a clear sight of it and makes a comfortable save.
13'
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) sends a long ball forward to Pedro Neto, but he put too much power and the chance is gone. The ball goes out of play and Fulham will have a goal kick.
11'
Bernd Leno is alert and has a clear sight of a long through ball from Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea). Easy save!
10'
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) sends in a poor cross from the corner and Bernd Leno has no trouble gathering it.
9'
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) delivers a promising cross into the box, but it's cleared. The ball goes out for a corner. Chelsea can continue in their attacking effort.
7'
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) attempts to find one of his teammates, but puts far too much on the pass and the chance is gone. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Fulham.
7'
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) produces a dangerous lofted cross into the box which is intercepted.
5'
Peter Bankes blows his whistle after Timothy Castagne (Fulham) kicks an opponent's legs instead of the ball. There is a free kick near the sideline to Chelsea.
2'
Harry Wilson (Fulham) latches on to a precise pass and finds himself one-on-one with the keeper. He fires a low shot towards the right side of the net, but Robert Sanchez leaps like a salmon to deny him.
1'
The match has just started.
Fulham will kick the game off.
Peter Bankes got the nomination for today's game and will try his best to be a fair judge and not make any mistakes.
Show lineups
You can have a look at the starting XIs of both teams in the details of this match.
Welcome to our live text commentary, ladies and gentlemen! The starting lineups will be announced very soon, so just sit back and get ready to enjoy the action.