Last updated on April 21, 2025
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Wild celebrations after the final whistle.
Image credit: Chelsea Photos
Pedro Neto’s dramatic 93rd-minute winner sealed a vital comeback for Chelsea against Fulham at Craven Cottage, reviving their bid for a top-five Premier League finish—and a potential Champions League spot.
The late strike sent Chelsea above Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest into fifth place, putting their European hopes back on track after weeks of growing discontent among fans and inconsistent form on the pitch.
This hard-fought 2–1 win marked Chelsea’s first away league victory of the year.
It was inspired by 18-year-old academy graduate Tyrique George, who came off the bench to net the equaliser in the 83rd minute.
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His breakthrough gave Chelsea just enough momentum to clinch all three points in the dying seconds.
It was a result that changed the narrative.
A draw would’ve extended Chelsea’s winless away streak to nine matches and left them languishing in seventh, with misfiring attackers and shaky goalkeeping casting shadows.
But with Neto’s strike, the Blues gave their fans a moment to believe again.
Maresca Relieved but Realistic
Head coach Enzo Maresca—booked for his animated goal celebration—skipped post-match celebrations with the team and headed straight down the tunnel, leaving his players to soak up the atmosphere with the traveling supporters.
Reflecting on the match, Maresca said: “Chelsea haven’t been in Champions League positions for the past two seasons. This season, we’ve stayed in the top five throughout. It’s already a good season, and it can be great if we finish strong.”
He acknowledged the importance of the win, especially with rivals having already played. “It was probably our most difficult win, and it came in a derby. That makes it even sweeter,” he added.
Injuries, Suspensions, and Misfiring Forwards
Despite the jubilation, Chelsea still face challenges.
Christopher Nkunku was dropped due to a “technical decision,” while Malo Gusto joined a growing injury list with what Maresca described as “not a good” muscular issue.
Wesley Fofana and Marc Guiu remain sidelined, and Mykhailo Mudryk is provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test.
Chelsea’s attacking line continues to struggle.
Cole Palmer has now gone 16 games without a goal, and Nicolas Jackson’s drought has stretched to 13.
Jadon Sancho recently ended his own 21-game goalless spell, and even match-winner Neto hadn’t scored in eight matches prior.
Rising Star: Tyrique George
The evening belonged to Tyrique George.
Promoted to the first team in December, the teenager has been with Chelsea since age eight and was handed a senior locker alongside fellow academy product Josh Acheampong in 2024.
George had already impressed in the Conference League, and his equaliser against Fulham now marks him as Chelsea’s fifth youngest Premier League goalscorer—youngest since Callum Hudson-Odoi in 2020.
“Tyrique gave us a boost,” said Maresca. “That goal gave the team extra energy to go for the win. Both Ty and Josh are talented—now it’s about hard work.”
What’s Next?
With the Premier League season nearing its climax, Chelsea’s grip on the top five remains uncertain.
While the win at Fulham offers renewed belief, the path ahead is still lined with question marks—from player form and injuries to intense competition from chasing teams.
For now, though, the Blues and their fans can revel in a derby victory that just might define their season.
