LANDOVER, MD–Mauricio Pochettino’s new look Chelsea finished off the Premier League Summer Series with a 2-0 win over Fulham. While Fulham are still trying to find someone to fill their Aleksandar Mitrović sized hole at striker. Chelsea Captain Thiago Silva would be the first one to etch his name onto the score then new summer signing Christopher Nkunku would score to bring the game to its final score of 2-0.
The game would look like a friendly to start out with both sides struggling to find a way into the final third as the last touch or pass would always be off. As the first half dragged on it would become seemingly more clear that Chelsea were the better set up as their chances would come fast and furious and would stipine any Fulham attack. The breakthrough would come in the 20th minute from a Ben Chilwell corner, it’d be Thiago Silva the first to get his head to it as he would out jump Fulham defender Issa Diop and give Chelsea the lead 1-0 lead.
As the first half was winding down Chelsea’s pressure was nonstop and required Fulham gk Bern Leno to make a slew of wonderful saves. Fulham’s bend but don’t break defense would only work for so long as Chelsea youngster Carney Chukwuemeka would go on a winding run that would see him dribble by 3 Fulham defenders before unleashing a shot that had Leno diving fast and low and again making a great stop. Unfortunately for Leno the first to the loose ball would be Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku who quickly slotted home the rebound and gave Chelsea a 2-0 lead that would last till the end of the game.
What’s next for Fulham?
Fulham’s manager Marco Silva said one of the bright spots of the game was the debut of Calvin Bassey who recently made the transfer from Ajax, Silva had this to say “I told him I didn’t want to see anything brilliant or extraordinary from him,“I wanted him to start simple so he could have some confidence. And he did it perfectly”. Fans will have a chance to see more of Bassey against Hoffenheim as Fulham return to England and host the German side back at Craven Cottage.
What’s next for Chelsea?
The win versus Fulham put a stamp on their Premier League Summer Series as they left Fedex Field with the events trophy. They still have one more stop in the United States before heading home, The Blues will visit Chicago and play Borussia Dortmund at Soldier Field, the game will serve as their last preseason game before heading home and the prep for Liverpool and the start of the Premier League loom.
Chelsea
