Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham: Cole Palmer magic not enough as Jadon Sancho quiet

Chelsea slumped to a surprise Boxing Day defeat at the hands of West London rivals Fulham.

Despite leading through Cole Palmer’s brilliant goal going into the final 10 minutes, the Cottagers equalised through Harry Wilson before snatching all three points right at the death thanks to Rodrigo Muniz’

The result means the Blues fail to close the gap on Liverpool to a point ahead of the Premier League leaders’ clash against Leicester City tonight.

Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at Stamford Bridge...

Robert Sanchez 6

Smart low save to deny Calvin Bassey at the end of stonking run. Within inches of a horror moment when almost gifting Raul Jimenez open goal, but then produced brilliant save from Antonee Robinson.

Malo Gusto 6

Fulham got plenty of joy down his flank as a result of inverted role.

Tosin Adarabioyo 5

Got bundles of stick from the away end following his summer move and looked a little unsettled by it, with some sloppy play at the back.

Levi Colwill 6

Excellent for much of the contest. Some big headed clearances and got across to help Cucurella with the sizeable threat of Adama Traore. Caught high for the Fulham winner, though.

Marc Cucurella 6

Back from suspension and did well against Traore. Should have done better when heading Fernandez’s free-kick too close to Bernd Leno.

Moises Caicedo 6

So much is asked of him at the heart of this system but he always rises to the task. Left too exposed in stoppage-time carnage, though.

Enzo Fernandez 7

Tenacious, intelligent work in the right pocket. Should have had an assist with fine free-kick delivery, then denied by terrific Leno save.

Pedro Neto 6

Fun tussle with Robinson and did not shy away from defensive work in chasing the full-back. Got it wrong in the lead up to Fulham leveller, though. Booked.

Cole Palmer 8 | Star player

What more can you say? Another exquisite solo goal. You’d call it a fitting end to the year - but who'd bet against more magic at Ipswich?

Jadon Sancho 5

Good and positive early on but faded after half-time.

Nicolas Jackson 6

Hard work against three centre-halves without too much reward.

Substitutes

Christopher Nkunku (Jackson 73’) N/A

Unused: Jorgensen, Bettinelli, Disasi, Acheampong, Casadei, Felix, George, Guiu