Donyell Malen (Aston Villa): A weird start to his Aston Villa career – he came in from Borussia Dortmund and it looked like he would be helping them in the Champions League but he didn’t make the squad because of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio. Then he was a bit-part player, did OK but didn’t look like he had the confidence. Against Burnley he got a start and scored twice. I think he’s someone who needs to start and build into the game, he’s better starting than coming off the bench. The two finishes were magnificent.
Mason Mount (Man Utd): This is a bit of a wildcard but he was excellent against Sunderland. Has struggled with injuries and left Chelsea for United under a bit of a cloud. He hasn’t really hit the ground running because of the injuries but looked back to his best. Calm, composed, worked hard for the team and got his goal. When he came off after 65 minutes the game lost its rhythm – he was the best player on the pitch by a country mile.
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth): I’m running out of words for this guy – he just keeps scoring. He was relatively quiet against Fulham but somehow he goes from strength to strength. We didn’t see much of him for 70 minutes but all of a sudden he’s got two goals – running at players with pace and intent. He’s developed into a top player that top clubs must be looking at. He has signed a new deal at Bournemouth but I can see the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea being interested.
Erling Haaland (Man City): He is just the man. We’re in a world where people want to look at everything that players are doing, but he just scores goals – he’s a throwback. He bullied two centre-backs and had no right to score that goal at Brentford, but it has kept Manchester City on a forward trajectory. Everyone was speaking about Yoane Wissa and Alexander Isak in the summer and we all forgot about the big man. He is letting everyone know the guvnor’s back in town.
Joao Pedro scored his second goal in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP
7
Trevoh Chalobah was too soft in the backlineCredit: AFP
Summer signing Pedro gave the hosts the lead with a header in the dying seconds of the first half.
The Blues‘ afternoon was made more comfortable as Enzo Fernandez converted from the spot in the 56th minute.
Fulham did have chances as defender Trevoh Chalobah seemed like a weak spot in the backline.
Here’s how SunSport reporter Jack Rosserrated the Chelsea players…
Robert Sanchez – 6
Sanchez will have been relieved that Josh King’s opening goal was ruled out, given he was made to look rather silly with the near post finish.
Other than that, however, the Spaniard had a very, very quiet afternoon with little to do after the first half scare.
Malo Gusto – 6
A couple of fine, flying challenges to stop Fulham on the counter while also supporting the winger in flying forwards whenever he can.
Given how good he can be, it feels like Reece James may take the right-back spot from Gusto soon but the Frenchman is putting forwards a good case at the moment.
A very difficult first half for the Blues defender.
Chalobah was lucky that VAR intervened in the build-up to Fulham’s disallowed goal after he was easily rolled by Rodrigo Muniz.
Christopher Nkunku seals transfer to AC Milan just two years after Chelsea move
He was also easily beaten by Josh King not too long after that. Picked up in the second half.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6
A tough battle with former Fulham teammates Muniz and Raul Jimenez a times but led the Blues back four well.
Came close to opening the scoring but could not react to get an effort on target after a corner deflected his way off of Kenny Tete.
Marc Cucurella – 6
The Spaniard was fairly untroubled throughout, keeping the danger down his side to a minimum – especially impressive after Adama Traore was thrown on to try and get Fulham back in.
As always, a ball of energy looking to cause trouble going forwards, but little joy on that front this weekend.
Moises Caicedo – 8
7
Moises Caicedo impressed in the midfieldCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Despite having trained just once this week since the West Ham game, Caicedo put in another stellar display.
Dominant against a hefty Fulham midfield, the Ecuador international held everything together for the Blues.
And even when the control slipped, Caicedo was there to save the day – making a superb last-ditch challenge to deny Timothy Castange what looked a certain goal minutes before the Blues opened the scoring.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
7
Enzo Fernandez converted from the spotCredit: AFP
A bizarre afternoon for the Chelsea captain, who shushed his own fans and raged at the fitness coach at halftime.
Some sloppy play first half but stepped up and helped Chelsea gain a little more control after the break, before pulling rank and keeping his cool to convert the penalty and double the lead.
Estevao – 6
7
Estevao put in another bright displayCredit: Getty
Another encouraging afternoon for the teenage winger.
Estevao showed his strength and power with a barge on Ryan Sessengnon in the first half, winning the ball before skipping away and past Calvin Bassey.
End product could do with some work still but plenty to be excited about.
Joao Pedro – 7
7
Pedro opened the scoringCredit: Getty
Another week and another goal for Pedro.
The Brazilian found space well and confidently nodded home his second Premier League goal of the season to get things rolling.
Pedro even kept his mouth shut when Enzo Fernandez wanted to claim the penalty and open his account for the campaign, giving his captain a hug for support before the spot kick.
Pedro Neto – 5
A lot of hard work for little reward.
With Alejandro Garnacho watching on and Jamie Gittens already providing competition from the bench – Neto will have to show more if he is to keep his place in the side.
Liam Delap – n/a
7
Liam Delap went off injuredCredit: Getty
The striker suffered a huge blow as he went off injured early in the first half.
Substitutes
Tyrique George (Delap, 13′) – 5
Thrown in much earlier than expected after Delap’s early injury and asked to lead the line – not his usual position.
It was a surprise George was even turned to given talks progressing over a move to Roma.
his was not a performance that will add any more to the transfer fee as George struggled to make an impact.
Jamie Gittens (Estevao, 67′) – 6
Offered precious little from the bench, although Chelsea were more seeing out the game rather than pushing desperately for a third goal once Gittens was sent on.
