Alex Iwobi’s first-half strike was not enough to earn Fulham a result as Chelsea mounted a dramatic late comeback to secure a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
The Nigerian midfielder continued his impressive campaign by netting his ninth Premier League goal of the season, putting Fulham in front midway through the first half.
It was Iwobi’s 33rd league appearance of the campaign, and his early goal appeared to set the tone for a confident Fulham performance.
Fulham held their lead well into the second half, with fellow Nigerian international Calvin Bassey also putting in a solid shift across the backline.
However, the home side’s resistance began to falter as Chelsea turned up the pressure in the closing stages.
Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to introduce Tyrique paid off when the substitute brought Chelsea level with just seven minutes left on the clock.
The equaliser injected life into the visitors, and Fulham were suddenly on the back foot.
Then, deep into stoppage time, Pedro Neto delivered the final blow.
The Portuguese forward pounced on a loose ball in the area and slotted home in the 93rd minute, silencing the home crowd and sealing a vital three points for the Blues.
The win sees Chelsea rise to fifth in the Premier League standings with 57 points, keeping them firmly in the race for European qualification.
Fulham, on the other hand, remain in ninth place with 48 points, left to rue what might have been after leading for much of the contest.
Elsewhere, Manchester United’s struggles continued as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Pablo Sarabia scored the winner in the 77th minute, extending Wolves’ winning streak to five games. United’s winless run in the league has now stretched to four matches, with three defeats and one draw.
Meanwhile, Arsenal got back to winning ways in emphatic fashion, dismantling Ipswich Town 4-0 at Portman Road.
After consecutive draws, Mikel Arteta’s side produced a commanding performance to restore confidence in their pursuit of the title.
Back in west London, despite Iwobi’s brilliance and Fulham’s early control, it was Chelsea who walked away with the bragging rights, and the points, in a match that turned in the dying minutes.
