Chelsea faced Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier tonight, aiming for a strong away performance in the London derby. The match kicked off with a bang as Joao Pedro scored within the first minute, giving the Blues an early lead. However, Fulham’s Josh King equalised in the 23rd minute, bringing the score to 1-1. Chelsea regained their advantage just before half-time when Morgan Rogers scored in the 41st minute, leaving the score at 2-1 as both teams headed into the break.

In the second half, Cole Palmer extended Chelsea’s lead to 3-1 in the 49th minute. Fulham fought back, with Gonzalo Garcia scoring five minutes later to narrow the gap to 3-2. Ultimately, Chelsea secured a hard-fought victory with a final score of 3-2.

As we assess the performances of each Chelsea player during the match against Fulham:

Sanchez made several crucial saves but could have improved on the goal that Fulham scored.

CB: Josh Acheampong – 7/10

He contributed well defensively but still saw the team concede two goals.

CB: Maxence Lacroix – 8/10

Lacroix showcased solid defensive abilities and was a notable presence on the ball, also providing an assist.

CB: Levi Colwill – 6/10

His defensive performance left much to be desired.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 24: Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Morgan Rogers during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

RM: Malo Gusto – 6.5/10

While he returned to assist defensively, his contributions to the attack were limited.

James performed effectively in the midfield and wasn’t hesitant to attempt shots on goal.

CM: Romeo Lavia – 6.5/10

He stood out at times on both ends of the pitch.

LM: Jorrel Hato – 7/10

Hato had a positive impact throughout the match, although he was substituted after the hour mark.

RW: Cole Palmer – 9/10

Palmer consistently threatened in the final third, contributing significantly with a goal and an assist.

ST: Joao Pedro – 8/10

Pedro kicked off the scoring with a composed finish in the first minute and also provided an assist.

LW: Morgan Rogers – 8/10

Rogers proved challenging for his defenders, scoring in the 41st minute.

CM: Enzo Fernandez – 6/10

He created one notable attacking opportunity.

LB: Pep Chavarria – 6/10

Chavarria’s impact was minimal during the game.

LW: Pedro Neto – 6.5/10

Neto made several dangerous runs but couldn’t convert them into scoring chances.

Chelsea locked horns with Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier tonight as they hoped to secure a good result on the road in the London derby. The Blues made a dream start to the game as Joao Pedro got his name on the scoresheet in the first minute. However, Josh King equalised for the home side in the 23rd minute. However, Morgan Rogers put Chelsea back up ahead in the 41st minute as Xabi Alonso’s men went into the half-time break 2-1 up on the scoreline.

Cole Palmer put his side 3-1 ahead in the 49th minute, but Gonzalo Garcia got a goal back for Fulham just five minutes later. The match ended with the Blues earning a hard-fought 3-2 win in the London derby.

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Let’s take a look at how each Chelsea player fared during the clash against the Cottagers.

Sanchez made a few solid saves at the back but could have done better to prevent Fulham’s opener.

CB: Josh Acheampong – 7/10

He did his fair share of defending but still ended up conceding two goals tonight.

CB: Maxence Lacroix – 8/10

Lacroix was solid when defending inside his half and was a good presence on the ball. He has an assist to show for his efforts.

CB: Levi Colwill – 6/10

He was far from convincing on the defensive end of the field.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 24: Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Morgan Rogers during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

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RM: Malo Gusto – 6.5/10

He came back to defend when he could, but offered very little going forward.

James anchored the midfield well and was not shy of having a strike at goal.

CM: Romeo Lavia – 6.5/10

He caught the eye at times on both ends of the pitch.

LM: Jorrel Hato – 7/10

Hato was a positive influence on both halves and was replaced after the hour mark.

RW: Cole Palmer – 9/10

He was a constant menace in the final third and has a goal and an assist to show for his efforts.

ST: Joao Pedro – 8/10

Pedro did well to score with a composed finish in the first minute. He has also got an assist to his name.

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LW: Morgan Rogers – 8/10

He caused a lot of headaches for his marker and managed to score in the 41st minute.

CM: Enzo Fernandez – 6/10

He made one good chance going forward.

LB: Pep Chavarria – 6/10

His impact on the game was minimal.

LW: Pedro Neto – 6.5/10

He made a few dangerous runs with the ball.