Player Ratings: Fulham 0-2 Chelsea | Premier League

Chelsea picked up their second league victory of the season with a 0-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

Mauricio Pochettino cheered on as his side scored two goals in as many minutes in the first half, with Mykhailo Mudryk repaying the faith the manager has shown by scoring his first goal for the club to the delight of all the players.

The Blues quickly doubled their advantage when the returning Armando Broja had a slice of luck and found the net after a poor clearance from Tim Ream. Chelsea headed into the half-time interval with a 2-0 lead.

The second half saw the home team grow into the game, they picked up more possession and got into some promising positions. Substitute Carlos Vinícius came close with two headers but Marco Silva’s side were only able to create a small handful of chances to cause any real issues for the Chelsea backline.

Ian Maatsen struck the post as Chelsea searched for a third but were chasing the game a little in the second half as Fulham searched for goals.

Chelsea held on to the clean sheet to secure three points and their second league win of the season. More positives for Pochettino to take away but the manager will be hoping the knocks to Mudryk and Broja won’t be serious.

Here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the players’ performance in the west London derby.

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Robert Sanchez – 6.5/10

Generally quiet first half with no major saves to make but again struggled with distribution and the ball at his feet, nearly gifted Fulham a clear chance with a misplaced pass. Distribution is something that will need to improve if Sanchez is to keep his place as Chelsea number one. Made a good save from close range with his legs in the second half.

Marc Cucurella – 7/10

Following a good display at in the cup match against Brighton, Cucurella was given his second game in a row at right back. Although he picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge, Cucurella did well to nullify the threat of former Blues winger, Willian in what isn’t his natural position. Struggled a little as the game went on and Fulham pressed forward.

Axel Disasi – 7.5/10

Having featured in every game so far, Disasi is building confidence and looks to be a strong signing for Chelsea at centre back. Calm on the ball and physical in defensive battles, the Frenchman partners up well with Thiago Silva and is an added aerial threat from set pieces.

Thiago Silva – 8/10

Silva’s best performance of the season so far, the 39-year-old looked his usual dominant self in defence alongside Disasi. Although Fulham had a handful of chances in the second half, Silva looked as sharp as ever to shut down shots and crosses as the home side attacked.

Levi Colwill – 8/10

Although not in his natural position, the best of what Colwill has to offer is on show consistently in recent weeks. The young defender was solid in defence and hard to get past, he also provided a great assist to set up Mudryk for Chelsea’s first goal. With Ben Chilwell out for a long period, it’s likely Colwill will have a long string of games at left back.

Conor Gallagher – 8.5/10

Always a hard worker in the middle of midfield, Chelsea’s stand in captain played well and continued his good run of performances. A high work rate and looked to be creative with passing, Gallagher has become one of the more important players in Pochettino’s system.

Enzo Fernandez – 8/10

Heavily involved in the game and playing box to box, Fernandez’s performances are incredibly consistent. Assisting defensively, making important challenges before driving the team forward and playing a big part in the attacking threat with high quality passing. Enzo looks to be worth the money spent on him more and more as each game passes.

Moises Caicedo – 8/10

Looks to be finding his feet and making the central defensive midfield spot his own in the team. Caicedo produced one of his better performances in a Chelsea shirt since arriving from Brighton. Cutting passing lanes and getting his foot into challenges to shut down Fulham’s advances. Caicedo looked tired in the latter stages of the game which is expected as he builds back to full fitness.

Mykhailo Mudryk – 8/10

Given his longest run of games in the side, Mudryk is gaining more confidence with every opportunity. Looking to take defenders on with pace and registering his first goal for the club with a tidy finish, the Ukrainian looks to be finding his feet at Chelsea under the guidance and close relationship with Pochettino. Disappointing to come off at half time with an apparent injury.

Cole Palmer – 8/10

Handed a first league start for the club after some impressive displays since his arrival, Cole Palmer again was one of the brighter sparks in the Chelsea team in the first half. Clever passing to create opportunities in the final third and playing the ball through that lead to Chelsea’s second. Not as impactful in the second half and picked up a needless yellow card for kicking the ball away.

Armando Broja – 7.5/10

In his first start in 11 months for the club, the striker made a positive impact while stepping in for the suspended Nicolas Jackson. The 22-year-old looked physical and sharp in attack and deserved his goal in what was a great moment after coming back from his ACL injury. Replaced just after the hour mark and looking in slight discomfort but if Broja can stay fit, the Albanian could rival Jackson for a starting spot each week.

Bench:

Ian Maatsen – 6/10 (45)

Coming on at half time to replace Mudryk and hitting the post on the hour mark, Maatsen has a high work rate and provided both attacking and defensive support for Pochettino’s team. Aside from hitting the post, wasn’t heavily involved.

Raheem Sterling – 5/10 (65)

Starting on the bench after suffering with slight illness during the week, Sterling replaced Broja with 25 minutes to go. Needless yellow card for kicking the ball away and didn’t impact the game.

Lesley Ugochukwu- 5.5/10 (78)

Replacing Cole Palmer with 15 minutes to go. Added fresh legs to midfield.

Noni Madueke – N/A (95)

Replaced Caicedo with seconds to go.

Alex Matos – N/A (95)

A nice moment to come off the bench for debut but only seconds remaining on the clock.