Cole Palmer scored Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over west London rivals Fulham on Saturday as the inconsistent Blues recovered from their League Cup defeat at Middlesbrough.
The League Cup defeat was only the latest setback in Mauricio Pochettino’s team’s difficult season.
Chelsea weren’t much more dynamic against Fulham, but Pochettino will be encouraged by the manner in which they grinded out their third consecutive Premier League victory.
Chelsea are still a work in progress in Pochettino’s first season, with his decision to field a predominantly youthful squad resulting in highs and lows.
In the circumstances, Fulham were ideal opponents for Chelsea to improve their spirits, as they had not won at the Bridge since 1979.
Chelsea’s previous troubles had allowed Fulham to dream of a rare triumph on enemy territory, and Blues fans were clearly frustrated as passes began to go astray from their sputtering squad.
That angst carried over to the football as Chelsea struggled to develop any rhythm, with Conor Gallagher’s errant strike from a distance exemplifying their difficulties.
Armando Broja was filling in for Jackson, but he missed a good chance when he headed wide from Enzo Fernandez’s cross.
When another Chelsea attack failed, Fulham fans insulted the hosts’ expensively assembled team with chants of “what a waste of money.”.
Issa Diop gave away a penalty for a harsh challenge on Raheem Sterling, and Palmer stepped up to blast the ball past Bernd Leno.
The 21-year-old’s nerveless sixth successful penalty for Chelsea demonstrated why teammates called him ‘Cold Palmer’.
Palmer, who joined Stamford Bridge from Manchester City in September, has nine goals, making him one of the few bright spots in the club’s dismal season.
Palmer drove forward with conviction and curled just wide early in the second half.
The Blues lost their way again as the half progressed, and Fulham striker Raul Jimenez headed over before trying Petrovic with a threatening low shot.