Big-spending Chelsea frustrated by Fulham

PREMIER LEAGUE Big-spending Chelsea frustrated by Fulham

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 23:05 - 03.02.2023

Chelsea's extraordinary exploits in the transfer market failed to have an immediate impact on the pitch, as they were held to a goalless draw by Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were unable to break down a stubborn Fulham side and had to settle for a 0-0 draw despite possessing an expensive array of attacking talent. 

Chelsea record signing Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea record signing Enzo Fernandez

There were several subplots heading into this intriguing clash, as new British record signing Enzo Fernandez made his Chelsea debut, while wantaway forward Hakim Ziyech was also included in the starting line-up after his proposed deadline-day move to Paris Saint-Germain collapsed.

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Chelsea began the game well. Settling into a nice rhythm, with new signing Enzo Fernandez getting on the ball and dictating play from midfield.

For all of Chelsea's possession, it was the visitors who had the first big chance of the match with Andreas Pereira's driven effort from distance being pushed out for a corner by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Chelsea had their first big moment in front of goal after half an hour, Mason Mount fired in a superb ball from the left-hand side across the face of goal for Kai Havertz but he could only divert his effort wide of the target.

Kai Havertz with a chance for Chelsea
Kai Havertz with a chance for Chelsea

Potter's side came within inches of taking the lead on the stroke of half time as Havertz lifted the ball over goalkeeper Bernd Leno but it hit the post.

Fernandez came close to a dream debut goal after 70 minutes as his whipped effort from distance flew just past the far post.

Chelsea had two huge chances to take the lead in quick succession around the 80th-minute mark, Conor Gallagher saw his vicious effort from distance go wide of the post and into the side netting and just one minute later David Fofana had Chelsea's best chance of the match. 

David Fofana with a good chance to score for Chelsea
David Fofana with a good chance to score for Chelsea

The 20-year-old was able to take it around Bernd Leno before striking towards goal but Tim Ream was on hand with a goal-saving clearance. 

Chelsea continued to push on late into the game but Silva's side were able to withstand the pressure and leave Stamford Bridge with a precious point that takes them into the Premier League top six.

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Player of the match - Kenny Tete (Fulham) 

Fulham had candidates for player of the match all over the pitch but Kenny Tete was a cut above the rest this evening. 

The Dutch defender worked tirelessly at both ends of the pitch, bombarding forward and managing to put in a couple of good crosses as well as defending stoutly when Chelsea poured forward.

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