Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham: That’s more like it! Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja get the goals to put Blues’ struggles behind them
To win their second league game of the year, the Blues mostly appeared at ease.
Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja gave Chelsea a much-needed and well-earned 2-0 victory over Fulham on Monday. At Craven Cottage, Mauricio Pochettino’s men scored twice in as many minutes to give the home team a mountain to climb as the Blues won their second Premier League game of the year.
The Ukraine star’s departure at halftime with what appeared to be an injury is cause for concern, but Mudryk will be especially happy with his first goal for the London club when he skillfully completed a cross from Levi Colwill. In the moments following that first goal, Broja seemed at ease in his first start following his injury return, and he took full advantage of Tim Ream’s mistake to score his team’s second.
Chelsea’s aggressive pressing and nimble passing caused difficulties for Fulham right away. Although the home club appeared to have a chance to tie the score in the second half, Pochettino’s squad managed to secure the victory and will aim to build on this impressive display.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (6/10):
After 77 minutes, he made a fantastic save with his leg and shown control over his penalty area.
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
Once again, right-back was bursting with enthusiasm as he eliminated every threat that came his way.
Axel Disasi (6/10):
Had a good amount of ball sight and executed his distribution nicely.
Thiago Silva (7/10):
Swept up at the back with some clearances and interceptions and reliable on the ball.
Levi Colwill (8/10):
Put in a gorgeous cross for Mudryk’s opener and dug in with some tackles at the other end.
Midfield
Conor Gallagher (8/10):
The midfield and offense can be better connected with good passing and movement.
Moises Caicedo (6/10):
played a beautiful ball to Colwill for the first goal and showed stability when in control.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
Battled valiantly for the ball and dropped deep to receive it and create Chelsea assaults.
Attack
Cole Palmer (6/10):
Pressed hard and sent the ball through for Broja’s goal and played in some dangerous crosses.
Armando Broja (8/10):
Though fortunate that Ream got the better of him for the second, he was positioned to take advantage of the mistake and deliver a standout performance.
Mykhailo Mudryk (8/10):
For his first goal, he properly chested down and put the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs. Regretfully, he had to leave at halftime.
Subs & Manager
Ian Maatsen (6/10):
Seemed at ease after taking Mudryk’s place after halftime. He also struck the crossbar, though it wasn’t as spectacular as his performance against Brighton the previous week.
Raheem Sterling (5/10):
For the final twenty-five minutes, attempting to seize his opportunity with some brilliant dashes off the ball.
Lesley Ugochukwu (5/10):
Did not get much of a chance to impact the game after coming on for the last 12 minutes.
Alex Matos (N/A):
On for his debut, but only saw the final few seconds.
Noni Madueke (N/A):
Took the injured Caicedo’s place right at the end.
Mauricio Pochettino (8/10):
The Argentine had a lot of injuries and suspensions to deal with but fielded a team that looked up for the fight from the beginning and delivered on the promise. Seeing Mudryk and Broja get the goals will come as a huge boost and shows he has the players available to threaten.