Chelsea Player Ratings vs Fulham: Brazilian Excellence! Joao Pedro & Estevao Shine in West London Derby Win Amid More VAR Controversy

A Tale of Two Halves – and the Referee

In West London derbies, sparks usually fly. But when Chelsea hosted Fulham at Stamford Bridge, it wasn’t just the players providing the drama. The match ended 2-0 in Chelsea’s favour, with goals from Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez, but the real talking point wasn’t the Blues’ sharp summer signings. Instead, it was the man in the middle – referee Robert Jones, assisted (or perhaps haunted) by VAR.

From a disallowed Fulham opener to a debatable penalty, this was a match that left Marco Silva’s men furious and Chelsea supporters quietly admitting they’d got away with one. As Fulham fans chanted “2-0 to the referee” from the away end, there was a sense of injustice hanging in the west London air. Still, Enzo Maresca won’t mind too much – his side remain unbeaten, his new Brazilian duo continue to sparkle, and Chelsea live to fight another week near the top end of the Premier League table.

What Happened in the Match

The tone was set early when Fulham thought they had taken the lead through Joshua King. He coolly slotted home in the 21st minute, sending goalkeeper Robert Sanchez the wrong way. But then came the check. After what felt like an eternity, VAR intervened, spotting a foul by Rodrigo Muniz on Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up. The decision was marginal at best, but it left Fulham seething and Chelsea relieved.

The sucker punch followed just before halftime. With their first real chance of the game, Chelsea struck. Enzo Fernandez whipped in a glorious corner and Joao Pedro rose highest, powering home a header. Fulham had been the better team, but it was Chelsea who went into the break with the lead.

Things got worse for the visitors in the second half. On 55 minutes, Ryan Sessegnon was penalised for handling in the box. Again, VAR was involved, and again, Fulham were left scratching their heads. Replays suggested the ball may have brushed Pedro’s arm before striking Sessegnon’s. Regardless, the penalty stood. Fernandez stepped up, calm as you like, and buried it. 2-0 Chelsea. Game effectively over.

Fulham pushed, Fulham huffed, but the sting had been taken out of their performance. Chelsea controlled the latter stages and claimed three points they’ll feel grateful for.

Chelsea Player Ratings vs Fulham

So, how did Enzo Maresca’s men perform individually in this controversial derby? Let’s go through the team, from goalkeeper to manager.

Chelsea v Fulham – Premier League

Goalkeeper & Defence

Robert Sanchez – 7/10

The Spaniard breathed a huge sigh of relief when Fulham’s opener was chalked off, as he had been sent the wrong way far too easily. That said, Sanchez pulled off a couple of sharp stops when Chelsea were wobbling. His distribution, which was ropey at times last season, looks much improved.

Malo Gusto – 6/10

The young Frenchman had a tough first half. Fulham’s wide players repeatedly got at him, and he looked off the pace. Still, he grew into the game after the second goal and showed more composure late on.

Trevoh Chalobah – 6/10

Fortunate, very fortunate. The coming together with Muniz for the disallowed goal could easily have gone the other way. Beyond that, he had a physical battle all night and just about coped.

Tosin Adarabioyo – 6/10

Not the most convincing display. Against better sides, his lapses might have been punished. He has the physical frame and reading of the game, but there’s a sense Maresca could look elsewhere for greater security.

Marc Cucurella – 7/10

Perhaps Chelsea’s most reliable defender on the night. Cucurella has been quietly improving, and his positioning against Timothy Castagne was smart and disciplined. The Spain international is finally starting to justify his hefty price tag.

Chelsea v Fulham – Premier League

Midfield

Moises Caicedo – 6/10

A quieter outing for the Ecuadorian. In the first half, he struggled to get a foothold as Fulham pressed aggressively. Improved in the second half, but Chelsea need more control from him in these fixtures.

Enzo Fernandez – 6/10

A game of moments. His delivery for Pedro’s opener was top class, and his penalty was ice-cold. But in open play, he was often second best, harried by Fulham’s midfield. Still, sometimes big games are about decisive contributions – and Enzo provided them.

Joao Pedro – 8/10

The signing from Brighton is looking inspired. Playing just off the front, he offered guile, work-rate, and that crucial aerial ability for the opener. Also involved in the build-up to the penalty. A really smart all-round showing – Brazilian excellence personified.

Chelsea v Fulham – Premier League

Attack

Estevao – 8/10

The 17-year-old Brazilian sensation is fast becoming a fan favourite. Fresh from dazzling against West Ham, he tormented Fulham’s defence with pace, trickery, and confidence. The teenager plays with no fear, and you could sense the excitement in the stands every time he got the ball. Chelsea have a real gem here.

Liam Delap – N/A

Cruelly forced off with what looked like a hamstring problem after just 15 minutes. Hopefully not a long-term setback, as he had started brightly.

Pedro Neto – 7/10

Not quite as electric as Estevao, but Neto still worked hard and asked questions of the Fulham backline. Needs to sharpen his end product, but he gives Chelsea good balance on the opposite wing.

FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAM

Subs & Manager

Tyrique George – 6/10

Thrown in early for Delap, George did a solid job without stealing headlines. He worked hard, linked play, and then made way himself late on.

Jamie Gittens – 5/10

A quieter cameo. Replaced Estevao but couldn’t replicate the same attacking thrust. Needs more consistency.

Reece James – N/A

Came on late when the result was already secure. Good to see him back on the pitch.

Andrey Santos – N/A

Picked up a yellow card in his short time on the pitch. Minimal influence otherwise.

Enzo Maresca – 6/10

Maresca won’t kid himself: his side were second best for long spells. Fulham outplayed Chelsea for the opening 55 minutes, but goals change games, and VAR swung the tide. Credit to him for keeping calm on the touchline, but Chelsea can’t rely on officiating fortune every week.

The Verdict: A Big Escape, But Bright Sparks

On another day, Chelsea could easily have dropped points here. VAR will dominate the headlines, and understandably so. Yet amid the controversy, there are positives for Maresca to cling to.

Joao Pedro looks like a talisman in the making. Estevao, at just 17, already plays with the swagger of a future superstar. Even Cucurella, so maligned in his early Chelsea days, has turned into a dependable performer.

But the bigger picture? Chelsea must improve their overall play. Being second best at home to Fulham for large stretches won’t cut it against tougher opposition. For now, though, they take the win, the unbeaten record, and the relief that VAR was very much on their side.