A superb second-half performance saw Chelsea come from behind to win at Fulham as goals from Salomon Kalou and Michael Ballack cancelled out Danny Murphy's opener.
The Blues were again without a host of key players, making just one chance from the side that beat Newcastle on Saturday, Steve Sidwell coming in for John Mikel Obi.
A poor first half was forgotten by Chelsea as tactical changes and an increased work rate were enough to overcome a courageous Fulham.
Prior to the game there was a minute's applause in memory of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell, who sadly died on Saturday.
Chelsea arrived at Craven Cottage unbeaten in the first game of a new year since January 1, 2003, and confidence was high off the back of a hard-earned win over a resolute Newcastle side three days ago.
All the ingredients were there for an upset though, as we faced a struggling neighbour, fresh with the optimism of a new man in charge. It was to be Roy Hogdgson's first game as Fulham manager, having been announced as Lawrie Sanchez's successor in the week.
This optimism was evident around Craven Cottage, and it transferred itself on to the pitch, as the hosts came quick out of the traps, Diomansy Kamara forcing Hilario into a low save as early as the second minute.
The best early chance presented itself at the other end, as Shaun Wright-Phillips raced through one-on-one with Fulham keeper Antti Niemi, but he screwed his shot wide with Joe Cole well placed across the area. Moments earlier Kalou had given Niemi his first action of the afternoon, tamely shooting straight at him.
It looked costly, when after nine minutes Joe Cole felled Moritz Volz inside the Chelsea area, and former Spurs and Liverpool man Danny Murphy sent Hilario the wrong way from the resultant penalty.
There was little complaint at the decision made by referee Mark Halsey, and little action to follow, as both sides struggled to retain possession. The prospect of Hodgson kicking off his Fulham reign with all three points was not looking unlikely.
Kalou was ruled offside when in on goal while Murphy fired a free-kick narrowly over on the half-hour mark.
On 36 minutes, Ballack was pulled down 25 yards from goal, providing Alex the opportunity to let fly from a dead ball. The first half for Chelsea was encapsulated in this incident, as despite the hushed expectancy around the ground, the defender's shot skidded way off target.
In stoppage time Cole almost made amends for the penalty as he cut inside and shot low toward Niemi's near post, but the Finn held on to ensure his side went in one up at the break.
Avram Grant opted to alter things in midfield, replacing the energetic Steve Sidwell with the composed John Mikel Obi.
There was an immediate effect, as Chelsea quickly grew dominant, forcing 11 Fulham men back behind the ball.
On 50 minutes the Blues appeared to have a fair penalty shout, as Wright-Phillips attempted to cross, he found the ball blocked by the arm of Stefanovic. Referee Mark Halsey this time opted not to point at the spot, but instead the corner flag.
It wasn't long before parity was reached though, as from another corner Alex headed across goal and Kalou was on hand to nod home from close range.
The pressure had paid off, and now was the time to turn a great start to the second half into another goal.
Sure enough the opportunity came, and this time Halsey had pointed to the spot. Ballack was hauled to the ground inside the area by Dempsey, and the captain confidently strode up to take the kick himself.
There was no mistake as he followed Murphy's first half example, and within 16 second half minutes, the Blues had turned the game around.
His second goal in a week looked to have galvanised the German, and he was fouled again 30 yards out. The confidence was there to see as again he claimed the ball, and curled his shot just wide of Niemi's net.
There was a sense of self-belief running throughout Chelsea, as Fulham were reduced to aimlessly hooking the ball into space, preparing themselves for another Chelsea attack.
Hodgson made his first Fulham substitutions as former Blue Alexey Smertin, Seol Ki-Hyeon and David Healy were introduced.
It was the Northern Irishman who came closest to levelling the scores, but Hilario was able to watch his dipping volley over the bar.
At the other end sub Claudio Pizarro volleyed wide as the game slipped away from our hosts.
Four minutes of stoppage time passed without major incident, and Chelsea can celebrate a very happy new year, at the expense of Fulham , whose Premier League survival hangs in the balance.
Fulham (4-4-2) Niemi; Omozusi, Bocanegra, Stefanovic (c), Konchesky; Volz (Seol 67), Davis (Smertin 69), Murphy, Davies; Dempsey, Kamara (Healy 76).
Booked Stefanovic 66
Goals Murphy (pen) 9
Chelsea (4-3-3): Hilario; Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Bridge; Essien, Ballack (c); Sidwell (Mikel ht); Wright-Phillips (Pizarro 87), Kalou; J Cole (Ferreira 90).
Booked
Goals Kalou 53, Ballack (pen) 61
.jpg)
0 Comments:
Post a Comment