Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali watched five of their exciting new toys line up for Chelsea in the west London derby but it ended in a drab draw at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Fernandez started and put in a solid midfield display after making a British transfer record £106million move on transfer deadline day.
Mykhailo Mudryk made his first start for Chelsea, while Noni Madueke debuted from the bench as Reece James, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell returned from injury.
However, Marco Silva’s well-drilled side gave as good as they’ve got to earn a point and remain in 7th, three places above their wealthy rivals in the Premier League table.
Nizaar Kinsella was at Stamford Bridge watching Chelsea’s expensively refurbished side.
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6
After back-to-back clean sheets, forced into a great save from Andreas Pereira. That was his only save of the match apart from taking in a half-way line attempt from Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Reece James - 5
On his first appearance in 2023, the powerful full back looked dangerous in the final third but played within himself. Importantly, he completed 60 minutes without getting injured. It is about building fitness for him to impact games at a later stage.
Thiago Silva - 8
The 38-year-old was his usual dominant self and created his side’s first chance with a well-measured long ball. It’s an absolute credit to him that there has been no drop-off since losing his last chance to fulfil his dream of lifting the World Cup with Brazil.
Benoit Badiashile - 8
An almost flawless display alongside the experienced centre back. He seems to compliment his partner perfectly, steps in at the right time uses the ball well and even created a chance for Hakim Ziyech.
Marc Cucurella - 6
A tenacious display, improving every week but he still doesn’t especially stand out among his peers in the backline. A performance to build on rather than shout about.
Enzo Fernandez - 7
When you buy an Enzo, you have to take it for a ride. That’s exactly what Graham Potter did after just one training session and his engine purred in an entertaining midfield display. He is already marking the most dangerous opponents and taking free-kicks. His 72nd-minute long-range shot was almost his moment and was a wonder.
Conor Gallagher - 7
Just like Ziyech, Gallagher could have left the club in January but he wants to fight to convince the new owners not to sell him. He was his usual tenacious self, creating a few dangerous moments, including a chance for David Datro Fofana.
Mason Mount - 6
Sharp start, good combination play around Kai Havertz on the break, the pair linked up well and Mount almost provided a goal for his partner in the 32nd minute. An improvement but he was still far from his best and was substituted toward the end of the second half.
Hakim Ziyech - 5
Remarkably thrown straight after his loan to PSG dramatically collapsed on transfer deadline day. The winger was understandably not at his best. It won’t do him any good with players needing to be dropped in the coming weeks in a 33-man squad. However, created the best chance of the first half for Havertz.
Kai Havertz - 5
The languid forward linked up well at times but was wasteful with his chances. Hit the post when he should have scored after an excellent clipped pass by Ziyech at the end of the first half.
Mykhailo Mudryk - 5
Making his first start and first appearance at Stamford Bridge, the £88.5million signing from Shakhtar had a poor home debut and made almost no impact. His passes were often wayward and Fulham coped with the blistering pace he showed at Anfield.
The 22-year-old was substituted at half-time.
Substitutes
Noni Madueke - 7
Brought on for Mudryk at half-time and outperformed him immediately with his electric dribbling ability.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 6
Ahead of kick-off, there was a big celebration for his 500th appearance. He was solid if unremarkable.
Raheem Sterling - 5
Returning from injury ahead of schedule, the England international got 30 minutes and immediately attempted an acrobatic volley when coming on but couldn’t get into the game.
David Datro Fofana - 7
Making his home and Premier League debut, the 20-year-old got 15 minutes to try and find a winner and almost did when he rounded Bernd Leno but saw his shot cleared off the line.
Ben Chilwell - N/A
Unused subs: Bettinelli; Chilwell, Chalobah, Koulibaly; Chukwuemeka
