Rodrigo Muniz Delivers Knockout Blow Against Chelsea On Boxing Day

Fulham pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, marking a significant milestone in their Premier League campaign and ending the Blues’ impressive 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.

A Tale of Two Halves

The match began with Chelsea eager to capitalize on their position in the league.

After a disappointing goalless draw against Everton that halted an eight-game winning streak, the Blues were keen to put pressure on league leaders Liverpool. They started brightly and took the lead in the 15th minute through the ever-impressive Cole Palmer.

Picking the ball up from 40 yards out, Palmer showcased his exceptional dribbling skills, weaving past two defenders before unleashing a precise shot from the edge of the box that found the bottom corner. This goal marked his 12th league strike of the season and his 26th in all competitions for 2024, a feat not achieved by a Chelsea player since Bobby Tambling in 1966.

Despite falling behind, Fulham demonstrated their fighting spirit. Raúl Jiménez had the first shot on target early in the match, forcing Chelsea’s keeper Robert Sánchez into a simple save.

The Cottagers continued to press, and Calvin Bassey tested Sánchez with a low effort, while at the other end, Bernd Leno made a crucial save to deny Marc Cucurella from doubling Chelsea’s lead before halftime.

A Second Half of Opportunities

As the second half commenced, Fulham appeared rejuvenated. Leno was called into action again, producing a fingertip save to deny Enzo Fernández, who had been a constant threat throughout the match.

Chelsea thought they had extended their lead when Levi Colwill scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside, a decision that would prove pivotal as the game unfolded.

Fulham’s determination paid off as they began to create more chances. Alex Iwobi came close with a curling effort that narrowly missed the target, and Antonee Robinson forced Sánchez into a close-range save.

The visitors’ persistence finally bore fruit as the match approached its climax. A well-delivered cross from Robinson found Rodrigo Muniz, whose header was expertly nodded over the line by fellow substitute Harry Wilson, leveling the score at 1-1.

Last-Minute Heroics

Just when it seemed both teams would settle for a point, Fulham struck decisively in stoppage time. A lightning-quick counter-attack saw Muniz finish off a swift move, securing a historic victory.

This marked Fulham’s first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979, a testament to their growth and determination this season.

Implications for Chelsea and Fulham

This defeat is a significant setback for Chelsea, raising doubts about their title credentials as they struggle to maintain consistency in a competitive league.

However, Fulham’s performance is a testament to the excellent work done by manager Marco Silva. With this victory, they have now lost only one of their last ten league matches, amassing a club-record 25 points after 17 games.