Fulham claimed a dramatic 2–1 victory over 10-man Chelsea in a fiery Premier League West London derby, securing just their third win in 29 meetings with the Blues and extending their impressive recent run.
The hosts made an immediate statement, with Harry Wilson testing Robert Sánchez inside the opening two minutes, only for the Chelsea goalkeeper to make a comfortable save.
Chelsea soon responded, as Enzo Fernández’s corner caused problems for Bernd Leno, who awkwardly punched clear under pressure. Fulham continued to push forward, though, with Wilson again denied and Tom Cairney seeing his effort blocked.
Fernández’s deliveries remained a constant threat, and another corner led to chaos in the Fulham box. Andrey Santos rattled the crossbar before Sander Berge produced a vital goal-line block to deny Moisés Caicedo.
The turning point arrived midway through the first half when Marc Cucurella was sent off just 22 minutes into his return from injury. The Spaniard hauled down Wilson after the winger had broken free, earning a straight red card. Tempers flared in the aftermath, with several Chelsea players and Fulham manager Marco Silva booked for dissent.
Despite the numerical advantage, Fulham were unable to capitalise before the break. Wilson’s free-kick and Raúl Jiménez’s follow-up were blocked, while a stoppage-time goal from Wilson was ruled out after Jiménez was flagged offside in the build-up.
Silva made an attacking change at half-time, introducing Kevin for Jorge Cuenca, and Fulham resumed on the front foot. Wilson went close again, his deflected effort drifting narrowly wide, while Jorrel Hato headed over at the other end.
Fulham finally broke the deadlock when Jiménez rose highest to meet Berge’s cross, powering a precise header into the bottom corner.
Kevin soon tested the side netting, and Leno was forced into a series of fine saves to deny Liam Delap, Caicedo, and Cole Palmer as Chelsea attempted to respond despite being a man down.
The visitors eventually found an equaliser in the 72nd minute when Pedro Neto’s corner was flicked onto the post by Antonee Robinson, allowing Delap to react quickest and score from close range.
However, Fulham refused to settle for a point and reclaimed the lead nine minutes later. Wilson collected possession on the edge of the area and fired home, his effort taking a slight deflection off Reece James on its way past Sánchez.
That late strike secured Fulham a sixth successive Premier League match without defeat, lifting them to eighth place in the table. They now sit level on goal difference with sixth-placed Chelsea, whose struggles continue, having gone five league games without a win and slipping behind Brentford.
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