Ola Aina featured for Fulham but could not help prevent them from losing 1-0 to his former club Chelsea at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Mason Mount’s half-volley in the second half proved enough as Chelsea ground out the win against 10-man Fulham.
Also in action for Fulham were Ademola Lookman and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Despite a goalless first half, Chelsea had the best chances and they gained the numerical advantage with Antonee Robinson’s red card just before half time.
To their credit, Fulham showed resistance against the subsequent waves of Blues attacks in the second half but Mount broke their resistance with his half-volley.
Fulham started better, showing the same energy as in their 1-1 draw with Liverpool. But while Chelsea struggled early on, the hosts could not take advantage.
The Blues did grow into the game and had a flurry of chances before the half-hour mark.
Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola made a few good saves in response, keeping Olivier Giroud‘s swerving first-time shot out before palming Antonio Rudiger’s away.
Meanwhile, Mount, who had combined with Giroud, hit the bar after Robinson’s failed clearance.
But despite Chelsea’s dominance, Fulham did have good openings, their best – after 41 minutes – being wasted by Ivan Cavaliero.
Chelsea’s pressure told with Mount’s half-volley after 78 minutes.
Areola palmed Ben Chilwell’s cross into the path of Mount, who was in the right place at the right time to drill a low effort home.
Chelsea are now in seventh position on 29 points while Fulham are 18th on 12 points in the league table.
By James Agberebi
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COMMENTS
Shehu Abdullahi is far better than Ola Aina.