Season 2026-27

Fulham vs Chelsea

Premier League · Round 1 · Mon 24 Aug 2026, 20:00

Fulham
23 Full time
Chelsea

Chelsea won 3–2 away at Fulham on 24 August 2026 (Premier League 2026-2027, Round 1). Goals – Fulham: Joshua King 23', Gonzalo Garcia 54'; Chelsea: Joao Pedro 1', Morgan Rogers 41', Cole Palmer 49'. Highest-rated player: Cole Palmer (9.2). In 39 Premier League meetings since 2000-01, Fulham have won 4, Chelsea 24 and 11 matches have been drawn.

Summary

Key events

  1. 1' Joao Pedro Chelsea · assist Cole Palmer 0–1
  2. 23' Joshua King Fulham · assist Timothy Castagne 1–1
  3. 41' Morgan Rogers Chelsea · assist Maxence Lacroix 1–2
  4. Half time · 1–2
  5. 49' Cole Palmer Chelsea · assist Joao Pedro 1–3
  6. 54' Gonzalo Garcia Fulham 2–3
  7. Full time · 2–3

Match report

Fulham vs Chelsea Match Overview: 2-3 Premier League

Craven Cottage barely had time to settle before it was thrown into chaos, and by the final whistle Fulham were left with a familiar, hollow feeling as Chelsea escaped with a dramatic Fulham vs Chelsea Scoreline of 2-3 on 24 August 2026. This Fulham vs Chelsea Match Report had everything: an opening-minute sucker punch, a fierce Fulham response led by Joshua King, and a decisive second-half swing powered by Cole Palmer. Chelsea’s Fulham vs Chelsea Result was built on ruthless attacking moments—goals from João Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Palmer—while Fulham’s late push, capped by Gonzalo Garcia’s header, turned the closing stages into a test of nerve.

First Half

Chelsea struck instantly, the kind of clinical start that changes the emotional temperature of a stadium. Straight from kick-off, Cole Palmer slid a perfectly weighted pass into João Pedro, who kept his composure and dinked over Bernd Leno for 0-1. Fulham, though, refused to fold. They slowed the game down with long spells of possession, circulating the ball patiently and drawing Chelsea’s shape out of position. The home side’s pressure grew through corners and half-chances, with King increasingly looking like the player who could turn control into a goal.

That moment arrived on 23 minutes. A sharp pass into King on the edge of the box was met with a superb first touch and a drilled finish into the bottom corner—an equaliser that felt deserved for Fulham’s authority on the ball. But Chelsea’s threat never disappeared; their movement between the lines kept Fulham’s back four permanently alert. In the 41st minute, Maxence Lacroix spotted the run and fed Morgan Rogers, who finished from close range to restore the away lead at 1-2. Fulham went into half-time behind, despite having controlled long stretches, because Chelsea were simply more decisive when the openings appeared.

Second Half

If Fulham hoped the interval would reset the rhythm, Chelsea tore up that plan within minutes. Palmer, already central to everything dangerous, found space in the box and finished clinically for 1-3—an away end eruption that felt like the match tipping away from the hosts. Fulham responded with urgency rather than panic, pushing higher and committing more bodies forward, and they were rewarded almost immediately. A loose moment in the Chelsea area was attacked with real conviction by Gonzalo Garcia, who powered a header in off the bar to make it 2-3 and reignite Craven Cottage.

The final half-hour became a contest of Fulham pressure against Chelsea survival. Fulham dominated territory and possession, probing for the equaliser with patient combinations and set-piece pressure, while Chelsea looked to break through the spaces left behind. There was late drama when a Chelsea goal was ruled out for offside in stoppage time, and Pedro Neto flashed a dangerous effort narrowly wide as the clock bled away. Fulham had one last sight of goal through substitute Rodrigo Muniz, but Robert Sánchez gathered comfortably. The whistle confirmed a breathless finish and a narrow Chelsea win in a game that never stopped swinging.

Key Moments

  • 1’ Fulham 0-1 Chelsea: Palmer releases João Pedro, who dinks Leno to stun Craven Cottage immediately.
  • 23’ Fulham 1-1 Chelsea: Joshua King controls on the edge and rifles into the bottom corner to level.
  • 41’ Fulham 1-2 Chelsea: Rogers finishes from close range after Lacroix’s incisive pass.
  • 49’ Fulham 1-3 Chelsea: Palmer strikes early in the second half to give Chelsea breathing room.
  • 54’ Fulham 2-3 Chelsea: Gonzalo Garcia heads in off the bar to set up a tense finale.
  • 90+1’: Chelsea think they’ve scored again, but an offside flag keeps Fulham’s hopes alive until the end.

Fulham vs Chelsea Stats Breakdown

The Fulham vs Chelsea Stats told the story of control versus incision. Fulham owned the ball with 62% possession and won the corner count 6-4, repeatedly trying to build patiently through midfield. Chelsea, however, created the clearer chances: 18 total shots to Fulham’s 14, and a major edge in penalty-area threat with 13 shots inside the box compared to 7. In xG analysis, Chelsea’s superiority was clear—2.24 xG to Fulham’s 1.33—reflecting how often they broke into high-value shooting positions.

Both sides landed 6 shots on target, but Chelsea’s attacking sequences were sharper and more vertical, with 38 touches in the opposition box compared to Fulham’s 25. Fulham’s comeback attempt was real, yet it leaned heavily on sustained pressure rather than repeated big openings—2 big chances to Chelsea’s 4. The numbers underline the Fulham vs Chelsea Analysis: Marco Silva’s side played with personality and control, but Chelsea’s quality in the decisive moments ultimately shaped the Fulham vs Chelsea Result.

Player of the Match

Cole Palmer (Chelsea) was the heartbeat of Chelsea’s best work. He assisted the opening goal, scored the crucial third, and constantly drew defenders out of position with his movement and timing. Even after he went off late, the damage had already been done—this was a game shaped by Palmer’s calm in the biggest moments and his ability to turn Chelsea’s possession into genuine end product.

What the Result Means

For Chelsea, this was the kind of early-season away win that can set a tone—imperfect, occasionally frantic, but backed by attacking quality and a willingness to suffer when the pressure arrived. For Fulham, the performance offered encouragement in how they controlled long spells and fought back, yet the frustration will be conceding three from situations where Chelsea simply looked a step quicker in decision-making. It was a Premier League match report that will be remembered less for who had the ball, and more for who made the moments count.

Fulham will take belief from the way they responded after falling behind twice, while Chelsea leave west London with points, momentum, and a reminder that their forward line can punish even when they’re second-best in possession. If you were searching for Fulham vs Chelsea Highlights, this match delivered them in waves—fast starts, sharp finishing, and a final act full of tension.

Match details: Fulham vs Chelsea, Fulham vs Chelsea Score 2-3, Premier League, Craven Cottage, 24 August 2026.

Report written automatically from the match data and commentary. xG figures are the data provider's.

Match statistics

FulhamChelsea

Top stats

62%Ball possession38%
1.33Expected goals (xG)2.24
14Total shots18
6Shots on target6
2Big chances4
6Corner kicks4

Shooting

1.17xG on target (xGOT)2.03
7Shots inside the box13
7Shots outside the box5
3Shots off target5
5Blocked shots7
0Hit the woodwork0
1Headed goals0

Passing

0.67Expected assists (xA)0.85
25Touches in opposition box38

Defending

8Interceptions7
17Clearances22
49Duels won56
3Goalkeeper saves4
2.03xGOT faced1.17
2Errors leading to shot1
0Errors leading to goal1

Discipline

12Fouls7
2Yellow cards3
0Offsides3
7Free kicks12

Other

0Accurate through passes1
11Goal kicks5
17Throw ins14

xG and xGOT are the data provider's figures.

Lineups

Fulham

Substitutes used

Unused

Luc De Fougerolles, Benjamin Lecomte, Harrison Reed, Emile Smith Rowe, Kenny Tete

Chelsea

  1. 34 Josh Acheampong 7.7
  2. 5 Maxence Lacroix 8.6
  3. 6 Levi Colwill 6.0
  4. 27 Malo Gusto 6.5
  5. 24 Reece James (c) 6.6
  6. 45 Romeo Lavia 6.7
  7. 21 Jorrel Hato 6.8
  8. 10 Cole Palmer 9.2
  9. 17 Morgan Rogers 8.9
  10. 9 Joao Pedro 8.7
  11. 1 Robert Sanchez 5.8

Substitutes used

Unused

Valentin Barco, Jamie Gittens, Mike Penders, Danny Welbeck

Fulham vs Chelsea Match Commentary

  1. 90+5' Full time That's all for today as the game is over.
  2. 90+5' Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham) shoots from the edge of the penalty area. The ball travels towards the middle of the target, but Robert Sanchez easily deals with the threat.
  3. 90+4' Pedro Neto (Chelsea) takes the ball and runs towards the goal. He skips past one defender and gets into an ideal shooting position, but his promising attempt ends inches wide of the right post.
  4. 90+3' Fulham enjoy a period of possession as they are exchanging some passes and waiting for an opportunity to strike.
  5. 90+1' Gooal! No wait, it's been ruled out for offside. Joao Pedro (Chelsea) disagrees, but the linesman is sure about his call.
  6. 90' We will have 4 min. of added time.
  7. 89' Chelsea work the corner short. The ball is passed to a nearby teammate.
  8. 88' Yellow card Timothy Castagne (Fulham) receives a yellow card for a nasty tackle.
  9. 87' Fulham seem to be finding their feet as they enjoy some possession. They are waiting for the right moment to create new attacking opportunities.
  10. 85' Fulham can’t profit from the corner as the defence clear the ball upfield.
  11. 84' The attendance is 27461.
  12. 83' Cole Palmer (Chelsea) just cannot continue due to injury and has to be substituted. Estêvão replaces him.
  13. 83' Substitution. Morgan Rogers makes way for Geovany Quenda (Chelsea).
  14. 82' Alvaro Arbeloa decides to make a substitution. Antonee Robinson will be replaced by Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham).
  15. 79' Fulham seem to be finding their feet as they enjoy some possession. Great movement by the offensive players allows the defenders to set up the attack.
  16. 77' Yellow card The referee gives a yellow card to Calvin Bassey (Fulham).
  17. 76' Substitution. Malo Gusto is replaced by Pedro Neto (Chelsea).
  18. 75' Yellow card Reece James (Chelsea) commits a foul and is shown a yellow card without any hesitation from the referee.
  19. 73' Alvaro Arbeloa prepares a substitution. Sander Berge is replaced by Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham).
  20. 73' The referee signals a substitution. Kevin (Fulham) is brought on as a substitute for Cesar Palacios.
  21. 72' Joshua King (Fulham) bends the ball in from the edge of the box which worries the keeper, but it eventually sails just wide of the left post.
  22. 72' The statistic for corner kicks – 5:3.
  23. 68' Chelsea enjoy a period of possession as they are exchanging some passes and waiting for an opportunity to strike.
  24. 67' The referee stops play so that a substitution can be made and Shea Charles (Fulham) replaces Oscar Bobb.
  25. 65' Jorrel Hato is substituted due to injury. Xabi Alonso gives a chance to Pep Chavarria (Chelsea).
  26. 65' Romeo Lavia goes off the pitch and Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) comes on.
  27. 64' Rough tackle by Gonzalo Garcia (Fulham). The referee blows his whistle for a foul.
  28. 62' Calvin Bassey (Fulham) is unable to feed an accurate cross into the box. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Chelsea.
  29. 60' Great teamplay by Fulham as they control the ball with a lot of short passes. Patience is the key if they want to find a gap in the defence to score.
  30. 57' Oscar Bobb (Fulham) sends in a poor cross from the corner and Robert Sanchez has no trouble gathering it.
  31. 57' Fulham control the tempo of the game by exchanging some accurate short passes.
  32. 54' Goal · 2–3 Gonzalo Garcia (Fulham) intercepts a rebound and leaves the goalkeeper completely helpless with a strong header that goes in off the bar.
  33. 53' 2:6 – this is the current number of shots on target.
  34. 52' Timothy Castagne (Fulham) was too fierce in his attempt to get the ball from his opponent and John Brooks blows for a foul.
  35. 52' Fulham are bossing possession at the moment by exchanging some precise passes from player to player.
  36. 49' Goal · 1–3 Goal! Cole Palmer (Chelsea) receives a well-taken defence-splitting pass inside the box and fires the ball past the goalkeeper.
  37. 48' Cole Palmer (Chelsea) amazingly found his way through the defence, but lacked a precise finish as his effort from close range went slightly wide of the left post.
  38. 47' Some great controlled play and passing in the middle of the pitch from Chelsea.
  39. 46' John Brooks blows his whistle and the second half starts.
  40. 45+3' The referee blows his whistle for half-time, bringing to a close the first 45 minutes of the match.
  41. 45+2' Fulham enjoy a period of possession as they are exchanging some passes and waiting for an opportunity to strike.
  42. 45' 2 min. of stoppage-time to be played.
  43. 44' Cole Palmer (Chelsea) tries a pot shot from the edge of the box, but it goes narrowly wide of the left post.
  44. 43' The Chelsea players are exchanging some short passes.
  45. 41' Goal · 1–2 Goal! Maxence Lacroix displays great vision and sends a pass to Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), who shows brilliant composure inside the box to bury the ball from close range in the back of the net. The score is 1:2.
  46. 40' Joshua King (Fulham) commits a rough challenge and John Brooks blows his whistle for a foul.
  47. 38' The Fulham players keep the ball and are exchanging a combination of passes. They are waiting for gaps in the defence to open up.
  48. 36' Reece James (Chelsea) swings in a dangerous cross from the resulting corner kick, but none of his teammates manage to outjump the defence.
  49. 36' Romeo Lavia (Chelsea) shows good awareness inside the box, but his attempt is stopped by the goalkeeper. Chelsea force their opponents to concede a corner.
  50. 36' Chelsea quickly take a corner kick with a short pass.
  51. 33' Reece James (Chelsea) had a great opportunity from mid-range. His powerful low volley was directed towards the middle of the net, but Bernd Leno was alert and made an astonishing save!
  52. 33' The Fulham players are exchanging some short passes to try and open up the opposition’s defence and hit them swiftly on the break.
  53. 31' Joao Pedro (Chelsea) smacks a great volley at goal from inside the box, but sends the effort just wide of the right post.
  54. 29' Fulham take a short corner instead of sending the ball into the penalty area.
  55. 29' Joshua King (Fulham) sends a sweet pass into the penalty area, but one of the defenders averts the danger. The referee signals a corner kick to Fulham.
  56. 27' Fulham seem to be finding their feet as they enjoy some possession. They are waiting for the right moment to create new attacking opportunities.
  57. 26' Cole Palmer (Chelsea) is in a clear offside position and the referee blows his whistle after the linesman raises his flag.
  58. 25' Wonderful movement by Fulham. The players are holding possession, mostly exchanging one-touch passes. They control the pace of the game now.
  59. 23' Goal · 1–1 Joshua King (Fulham) takes a great first touch to control a killer pass on the edge of the box and drills a shot into the bottom right corner in trademark fashion.
  60. 22' Great teamplay by Fulham as they control the ball with a lot of short passes. Patience is the key if they want to find a gap in the defence to score.
  61. 21' Alex Iwobi (Fulham) puts a cross into the box from the corner but there is no panic from the opposition and they easily clear.
  62. 20' A run and shot from the edge of the box by Joshua King (Fulham) causes Robert Sanchez little worry as it's towards the middle of the goal. Easy save. Fulham will take a corner kick.
  63. 19' Long passes, short passes and one-two passes. Chelsea are showcasing great team work by keeping possession and producing pin-point passes from player to player. The opposition's players are finding it very difficult to intercept at the moment.
  64. 18' Cole Palmer (Chelsea) goes on a solo run, but he fails to create a chance as an opposition player blocks him.
  65. 16' Fulham control the tempo of the game by exchanging some accurate short passes.
  66. 14' The corner from Oscar Bobb (Fulham) is cleared away by the defence.
  67. 12' Yellow card This yellow card was deserved. The tackle by Romeo Lavia (Chelsea) was quite harsh and John Brooks didn't hesitate to show him a yellow card.
  68. 11' Oscar Bobb (Fulham) whips in a cross from the corner, but Robert Sanchez is well positioned and punches the ball away.
  69. 10' Joshua King (Fulham) sends the ball into the box from the side of the pitch, but his cross is blocked. Corner kick. Fulham will have an opportunity.
  70. 9' Neat passing move from Chelsea in order to create new attacking opportunities.
  71. 5' Yellow card Levi Colwill (Chelsea) has tested the patience of referee John Brooks and goes into the book for a previous late challenge.
  72. 4' A horde of players are waiting inside the penalty area for a cross from the corner, but Cole Palmer (Chelsea) takes it short.
  73. 3' Fulham are bossing possession at the moment by exchanging some precise passes from player to player.
  74. 1' Goal · 0–1 Goal! Cole Palmer slips in Joao Pedro (Chelsea) for a one-on-one with the keeper, and he simply dinks the ball over him into the net.
  75. 1' The first half has started.
  76. The players are on the pitch and Chelsea will have the kick-off.
  77. John Brooks will supervise the game today.
  78. In the details of this match, you can glance at the lineups while the game is about to begin.
  79. Hello and welcome to our minute-by-minute commentary of the upcoming clash. We will try to provide you with as-accurate-as possible picture of the happenings on the pitch. Have fun.

Head-to-head & form

Head-to-head since 2000-01

Full head-to-head
4Fulham wins11Draws24Chelsea wins

39 meetings · goals Fulham 30–64 Chelsea

Form before the match

Last five Premier League matches, oldest to newest.

League table

Full table
# Team P W D L GD Pts
10 Chelsea 5 2 1 2 −2 7
19 Fulham 5 0 2 3 −3 2

Season so far

FulhamChelsea
1.00 Goals per match 2.00
1.60 Conceded per match 2.40
1 Clean sheets 0
1.55 xG per match 1.46
54.2% Possession 47.8%

Premier League 2026-2027. Highlighted: the better figure, after this match where it is already counted.

Top scorers 2026-2027

All scorers