Caught out: Kepa did not convince at Fulham
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Chelsea’s crisis deepened after a 2-1 defeat away to newly promoted Fulham who piled pressure on Graham Potter and his failing team.
In the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Carlos Vinicius proved the match-winner by heading in Andreas Pereira’s cross.
Willian had opened the scoring in the first half with a deflected shot but Kalidou Koulibaly scored an equaliser after a goal-mouth scramble.
On his Chelsea debut, Joao Felix was exceptional but got sent off in the 58th minute, costing his team when they were pushing for the winning goal.
Nizaar Kinsella was at Craven Cottage watching over the struggling Blues side.
Almost put his team in danger by palming out a Carlos Vinicius header toward an on-rushing De Cordova-Reid, a more clinical forward might have punished him. He was then caught in no man’s land as Vinicius headed in the winner.
Trevoh Chalobah - 5
Bobby De Cordova-Reid hit the bar after a mistake from the young defender. Deflected Willian’s shot into Kepa’s net but it wasn’t his fault.
Thiago Silva - 6
Went close to scoring a header in 18 minute, the pick of the defenders as usual. The 38-year-old was fairly solid despite the chaos around him.
Kalidou Koulibaly - 4
The Senegal international couldn’t string a pass together in the first half but scored a tap-in early in the second half. Not good enough.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 5
He was beaten by his former teammate Willian for the goal after he did his trademark move to cut inside and shoot.
Mateo Kovacic - 5
At times, he showed his quality as one of the four leaders who had a meeting with Potter ahead of the match. However, he found the game passed him by at times.
Denis Zakaria - 6
Risked giving away a penalty with a clumsy challenge early on but was one of the better performed. He came off with a knee injury in the 56th minute, when it rains it pours.
Mason Mount - 5
The 23-year-old overcame a downturn in form to find a moment of quality for the equaliser, whipping a dangerous free-kick that resulted in a goal. He did, however, look frustrated for much of the game and performed well within himself.
Lewis Hall - 5
Misses a really easy chance after just two minutes but looked tidy with the ball. The 18-year-old was no worse than the majority of his senior colleagues.
Joao Felix - 6
The 23-year-old was by far Chelsea’s best player on his debut but a moment of madness saw him sent off for a two-footed tackle.
He left his team short when they were on the ascendency after Kalidou Koulibaly despite an entertaining display.
Joao Felix’s second touch was a nutmeg on Tim Ream and his third was a skillful flick to win a free-kick. He won two free-kicks in 14 minutes getting Antonee Robinson and Andreas Pereira booked. He also had six shots and his presence elevated Havertz.
However, it will be remembered as the game where he cost his team points.
Kai Havertz - 5
He improved in the presence of Felix, showing himself to be a good partner for the Portugal international. However, he was the side act to Felix’s display.
Substitutes
Marc Cucurella - 6
Put a good cross in after coming on from the bench. A good effort after being left out for an academy player.
Jorginho - 5
An anonymous showing after Zakaria’s injury.
Hakim Ziyech - 6
The Morocco international linked well with Havertz from the bench but it was too little too late.
Conor Gallagher - 5
Had little time to make an impact.
Carney Chukwuemeka - 6
The 19-year-old made an immediate impact with his fearless dribbling. He must start against Crystal Palace.
Unused substitutes: Bettinelli; Badiashile; Aubameyang, Fofana
