There were just 80 seconds between Chelsea’s two goals in their 2-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday in the Premier League. Both teams went into the London derby needing victories to improve their form and standings after a disappointing start to the season, especially for the men in Blues.

Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk finally got his first competitive goal for Chelsea since moving to Stamford Bridge from Shakhtar Donetsk in January when he slotted past the goalkeeper 18 minutes into the game. 

Armando Broja quickly doubled the advantage after 80 seconds in a similar fashion to calm Chelsea’s nerves and eventually sealed the victory. However, for the remaining 70 minutes of the game, Fulham never really threatened Chelsea, and the Blues also didn’t get out of the next gear.

Nevertheless, it was the first time that Chelsea had beaten a side starting the day above them in the Premier League table for the first time since May 2021, and Chelsea’s captain Conor Gallagher shared the team’s excitement.

“It feels great. It was a decent performance, maybe not as good as we would like, but the most important thing was three points, and we desperately needed that, so we’re happy. Wins bring confidence, and we’ve won the last two games, so hopefully, we can build on that. It’s a very young squad; I’ve been a bit more serious because I’m one of the more experienced players in the squad in terms of Premier League experience. I’ve tried to be a bit more disciplined and a leader on the pitch and off the pitch.” Gallagher said.

The win means that Chelsea has eight points from seven games played this season and sits in 11th after securing only their second victory. Chelsea’s two wins this season have come against Luton Town and Fulham.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu