'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Fulham hosted Chelsea at Craven Cottage on 3rd March 2019. It was the first match in charge for new coach Fulham Scott Parker, who replaced the recently-sacked Claudio Ranieri. It is highly likely that the club is going to the Championship next season as they have won just four games in the season, prior to the clash against the Blues.
On the contrary, it was a must-win match for Chelsea to stay alive in the hunt of a top-four finish. The team started the match as clear favourites, owing to their recent win against Tottenham.
Chelsea emerged out as victorious, defeating Fulham 2-1 away from home. It was the first away league win for the Blues in 2019, thanks to goals from Higuain and Jorginho. Fulham did have a decent game with good chances, but they couldn't capitalize on them.
Let us take a look at Chelsea player's ratings
Kepa - 8: Had a great game and showed why he is the number one choice of coach Maurizio Sarri. Made some vital stops and helped the team earn a hard-fought win.
Azpilicueta - 7.5: A decent outing for the Spaniard. Helped Higuain with a wonderful assist for his goal and did a good job as a right back in defence. 7/10
Rudiger - 6.5: Looked solid but had a difficult time against Mitrovic. His mistake created the opportunity for Fulham in the first half only to be denied by Kepa, but they did concede a goal from the resulting corner.
Christensen - 7: He looked calm and composed throughout the game in defence but was caught napping in the late moments as Mitrovic almost scored a goal but denied by Kepa.
Emerson - 6.5: Decent game, but had a hard time against Ryan Sessegnon.
Jorginho - 8: Turned out to be the difference between the two sides as scored the winning goal for Chelsea shortly after Chambers equalized for Fulham. Played some good over the top balls for Higuain and Willian, especially for Higuain in the first half but he failed to beat the 'keeper.
Kante - 7: Did what he does best and covered a lot of ground with good interceptions for his teammates.
Barkley - 6: Played well in the distribution of the ball across the midfield but didn't make any impact in the second half.
Hazard - 6: Played some good football in the first half but had a quiet second half.
Willian - 7: Great game from the Brazilian. Though he didn't get the goal but created a lot of threat on the right flank.
Higuain - 6.5: Displayed good movements all through the game and got his name on the score sheet. Lost a golden chance for a brace in the first half and went missing in the second half.
Substitutions:
Kovacic 6: Replaced Jorginho in the 68th minutes as Fulham tried to take control of the game. Played his role in keeping the things in hand.
Pedro 5: Looked out of sorts after replacing Hazard in the 74th minute.
Loftus-Cheek 6: Created some good chances after replacing Barkley with 12 minutes left on the clock.
