Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham: Two 8/10s shine in controversial win | Football | Sport

Chelsea were helped by the referee as they beat local rivals Fulham in a game full of controversial decisions. The visitors thought they had scored an early opener when teenager Josh King raced away and found the back of the net. However, it was ruled out following a VAR intervention for a questionable foul on Trevoh Chalobah.

Rodrigo Muniz stepped on the Chelsea defender’s foot while spinning away with the ball, which was inexplicably deemed a ‘careless challenge’ by referee Robert Jones. The hosts opened the scoring right at the end of the first half, with Joao Pedro heading home from a corner. It came after the minimum eight minutes of added time had already passed, leaving Fulham manager Marco Silva furious.

In the second half, Chelsea got another break when they were awarded a penalty for a handball in the box. The decision was another controversial moment, given that Pedro appeared to handle the ball himself a few moments earlier.

However, it was seemingly deemed irrelevant because Kenny Tete had kicked it against him. Enzo Fernandez stepped up and converted from the spot to double Chelsea‘s lead, securing all three points in addition to the bragging rights in west London.

Express Sport rates and slates the Chelsea players following today’s game…

Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham

Robert Sanchez – 6

Was easily beaten for the disallowed goal but made some good saves to deny Fulham in the first half. Had little to do after the break and earned his second clean sheet of the new Premier League season.

Malo Gusto – 6

Got the nod to start at right-back ahead of Reece James, who was consigned to the bench. Defended well and got forward to contribute when Chelsea were pushing for goals. A decent display.

Tosin Adarabioyo – 6

Looked a bit sluggish at times but did enough to help his side earn a clean sheet. Headed over from point-blank range as the ball rattled around the box following a Chelsea corner in the first half.

Trevoh Chalobah – 6

Was fouled in the build-up to Fulham’s disallowed goal but got away with one, having rushed out of position. Did well apart from that, using his mobility and positional awareness to snuff out attacks.

Marc Cucurella – 7

Did his defensive duties well and was one of Chelsea‘s key players. Made a handful of important tackles while also getting forward to help out in the final third.

Moises Caicedo – 8

Ran the show in midfield, doing much of the dirt work that often goes unnoticed. Raced back brilliantly to deny Timothy Castagne with a last-ditch challenge. Booked shortly before the break for a heavy challenge in midfield.

Enzo Fernandez – 7

Was responsible for some sloppy passing in the early exchanges. Improved as the game went on and was rewarded for his impressive set-piece deliveries with an assist. Added a goal from the penalty spot in the second half.

Estevao Willian – 6

Took a while to get into the swing of things but showed flashes of quality on the ball. Still quite raw but was fun to watch and should develop into a great talent for the Blues.

Joao Pedro – 8

Played in the creative role for the second game in a row in the absence of Cole Palmer. Rose highest to score just before the break, giving Chelsea the lead at the perfect time. Should have added another in the second half.

Pedro Neto – 5

Tried to make things happen down the left flank but was unable to carve out many chances of note. Not his greatest display in a Chelsea shirt but not exactly his worst either.

Liam Delap – n/a

Put himself about from the very first whistle, barging into defenders like a rabid bulldog. Was forced off after just 14 minutes with an apparent hamstring injury. Bad news for Chelsea and hopefully a swift recovery.

Substitutes

Tyrique George – 5

Was introduced to replace the injured Liam Delap as the lone striker, but struggled to lead the line effectively. Found it hard to get himself into the right areas. Was replaced himself in the closing stages in a rare case of the sub being subbed.

Jamie Gittens – 6

Came on for the final 25 minutes in place of Estevao Willian. Did little of note apart from a brilliant cross which was just too far ahead of Pedro for him to connect with.

Reece James – n/a

A late addition.

Andrey Santos – n/a

A late addition.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.