The match at Craven Cottage quickly took an unfavorable turn for Chelsea. In the 22nd minute, Marc Cucurella pulled down Harry Wilson just outside the penalty area, denying a clear scoring opportunity and receiving a direct red card.

Cucurella became the 5th Chelsea player to receive a red card in the English Premier League this season, following Robert Sanchez (against Man Utd), Trevoh Chalobah (Brighton), Malo Gusto (Nottingham Forest), and Moises Caicedo (Arsenal). In the English Premier League era, Chelsea only received more red cards in the 2007-2008 season (6).

Raul Jimenez celebrates opening the scoring in Fulham's 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the 21st round of the English Premier League on 7/1. Photo: Shutterstock

With a man advantage, Fulham dominated and seemed to have opened the scoring in stoppage time. Harry Wilson struck a diagonal shot past Robert Sanchez, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The hosts did not have to wait long to score. In the 55th minute, Sander Berge delivered a cross, and Raul Jimenez headed it into the near corner, leaving Sanchez unable to save. 14 of Jimenez's last 17 goals have given Fulham a 1-0 lead in the English Premier League, highlighting the Mexican striker's ability to make a difference.

Despite their difficult situation, Chelsea unexpectedly equalized from a set-piece. Pedro Neto's corner kick deflected off a Fulham player's head and hit the post. The ball rebounded perfectly for Liam Delap to tap into an empty net, scoring his first goal for Chelsea in the English Premier League. This was also the English striker's first goal since playing for Ipswich in April, ending a run of 18 consecutive goalless matches in England's top flight.

Liam Delap scores to equalize at 1-1. Photo: Chelsea FC

Chelsea's joy was short-lived, lasting less than 10 minutes. Harry Wilson became the hero, controlling the ball with his left foot before striking a diagonal shot with his right, leaving Sanchez sprawling but unable to reach the ball, sealing a 2-1 victory. With this goal, Wilson has contributed to 11 goals in the English Premier League this season (7 goals, 4 assists) - his best-ever seasonal performance.

After the match, interim coach Calum McFarlane stated that Chelsea receiving multiple red cards this season was not a disciplinary issue. However, he admitted that Cucurella's early dismissal completely changed the game's dynamic.

"We couldn't press as we would with 11 players", McFarlane said. "We had to play more defensively, protect our penalty area, and wait for opportunities. I think we performed well at many points: scoring, creating chances, and defending consistently, except for one moment of quality from Harry Wilson".

New head coach Liam Rosenior attends the match at Craven Cottage. Photo: Chelsea FC

New head coach Liam Rosenior, who recently signed a contract until 2032, watched the match from the stands. Regarding Rosenior's presence, McFarlane said: "He arrived just one day before the match, observed training, and entrusted us with team selection and tactics. We share the same philosophy on gameplay, and he highly respects the current coaching staff's work".

After the match against Fulham, McFarlane will return to his role as head coach of the U21 team. Rosenior will take charge of Chelsea's first team from their next match against Charlton Athletic in the 3rd round of the FA Cup on 10/1.

By Hong Duy