Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi was in fine form for Fulham in their 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
The midfielder scored a brilliant left-footed goal, his 9th of the Premier League season, but it wasn’t enough to earn Fulham a share of the spoils in this dramatic West London derby.
Iwobi gave Fulham the lead in the 20th minute after a well-crafted move. Ryan Sessegnon surged down the left wing, turning past his marker, before sending a perfectly weighted pass to Iwobi just outside the penalty area.
The Nigerian international side-footed the ball expertly into the bottom corner, giving Fulham the early advantage.
Iwobi celebrating his 9th league goal of the season. Photo Credit: Imago
However, Chelsea were quick to respond after Jadon Sancho and Malo Gusto were introduced in the second half. The equalizer came in the 83rd minute courtesy of Tyrique George, the Chelsea teenager who pounced on a defensive mistake.
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Fulham’s Antonee Robinson inadvertently played the ball into George’s path, and he made no mistake, slotting the ball past Bernd Leno to level the score.
With the match looking set to end in a draw, Chelsea delivered a dramatic late blow. In stoppage time, Cole Palmer led a blistering counter-attack, playing Enzo Fernandez into space on the right.
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Fernandez then delivered a pinpoint low cross to Pedro Neto, who finished with a composed half-volley into the top corner, securing all three points for Chelsea.
Chelsea’s victory lifts them to 5th place in the Premier League, putting them in a strong position for UEFA Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, Fulham’s loss leaves them in 9th place, and their hopes of securing European football next season are fading.
