Chelsea jumped ahead of Manchester United in the Premier League thanks to a sublime penalty finish from Cole Palmer to earn Mauricio Pochettino's team all three points against Fulham. This was an incredibly tight encounter but the win eased the pressure on Pochettino after the Middlesbrough defeat.
Chelsea signing Cole Palmer had the look of an afterthought as he was the last man to walk through the door before the window shut in the summer, but he is now undoubtedly the main man of the show. He's bagged nine goals, that is more than any other Blues player.
It was the 21-year-old striker who grabbed the bull by the horns with a brilliant reverse pass into Raheem Sterling for the penalty incident which he confidently dispatched. When Chelsea are good, Stamford Bridge can be one of the most intimidating places to go to but recent results meant you could hear when journalist typed away their notes before the goal that gave Pochettino's side the crucial win.
Fulham's record here is five without a win and Chelsea largely were the better side, but both managers refused to make use of their seats as the game hung in the balance despite the Chelsea goal. As the chilly temperatures continued to drop in west London, Ben Chiwell was thrown in for his first minutes of the year and he helped see out the win with some experience and tactical fouls.
Every late Chelsea kick was met with a cheer as the home fans helped the team across the line. Below is how we rated every Chelsea player out there.
1. Djordje Petrovic -6
Made a brilliant save to deny Wilson in the first half and took cross with so much ease .
2. Levi Colwill- 6
Put in Chelsea's first cross of the game and despite a nervy start to the game finished strongly.
3. Thiago Silva- 6
His passing, anticipation and decision making still as shinny as anyone out there. There are occasions where he gets caught out by pace but still just an important player.
4. Conor Gallagher-5
Difficult first half where he battled well but was missing the final touch.