Pedro Neto smashed in a 93rd-minute winner as Chelsea reignited their Champions League qualification hopes by beating rivals Fulham 2-1 with a dramatic late turnaround.
Chelsea had been heading for a harmful defeat having been booed off at half-time by their travelling supporters after Alex Iwobi fired Fulham forward from the sting of the field throughout the first half.
The stress had been mounting on head coach Enzo Maresca after successful solely as soon as of their final 4 league video games, however teenager Tyrique George levelled within the 83rd minute, simply 5 minutes after changing striker Nicolas Jackson.
Then got here a doubtlessly vital second in Chelsea’s season as Neto managed earlier than swivelling within the field and sending an unstoppable drive excessive into the web to earn an important three factors that lifts them into fifth, a degree behind Manchester Metropolis.
Maresca had introduced on Malo Gusto and Jadon Sancho for captain Reece James and Noni Madueke at half-time which helped Chelsea have extra management within the second half though they had been removed from their finest regardless of being at full power.
Sancho examined Bernd Leno and Neto was denied with the guests’ finest likelihood of the half whereas Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson each seemed woefully out-of-form.
Chelsea, although, who got here again from two down in opposition to Ipswich final weekend, confirmed character once more and can hope this win generally is a springboard for the run-in.
Fulham’s hopes of qualifying for Europe have been dented with two defeats this week that depart them in ninth – a degree behind eight-placed Bournemouth.
