Chelsea's troubled campaign plunged into deeper crisis on a frustrating night at Craven Cottage, where a 2-1 defeat to local rivals Fulham ignited fury among the travelling supporters. The loss, marred by poor discipline and wasted opportunities, culminated in loud chants directed at the club's ownership and sharp criticism of individual players.
Discipline Crumbles as Chelsea Stumble Again
The match quickly spiralled out of control for the visitors. Chelsea's struggles were compounded when defender Marc Cucurella received a red card in the first half, forcing the team to play with ten men for a significant duration. Fulham capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Raul Jimenez breaking the deadlock early in the second half. Although young striker Liam Delap provided a glimmer of hope by scoring his maiden Premier League goal for Chelsea—a finish following a corner from Pedro Neto—the respite was brief. Fulham's Harry Wilson struck a late winner, sealing a devastating result for the Blues.
Pedro Neto Becomes Lightning Rod for Fan Frustration
While the team's overall performance was criticised, Portuguese winger Pedro Neto became the primary target for supporter backlash. His recent run of difficult form was spotlighted, with fans taking to social media to vent their frustrations. The reaction was swift and severe, questioning his place in the starting lineup.
"Neto is so useless bro," wrote one fan on the platform X. Another demanded changes, stating, "Garnacho and Estavao should start instead of Neto and Palmer." The critiques highlighted perceived technical deficiencies, with one post noting, "I don’t understand how Pedro Neto has 0 skill moves... not one time have I ever seen him skill past a player." The anger escalated to calls for his removal, with a supporter declaring, "You’re embarrassing. Get Tosin and Neto out of my club."
A Rocky Start for the Liam Rosenior Era
The defeat served as a harsh welcome for new head coach Liam Rosenior, who watched from the stands. He inherits a squad in dire straits, with just one victory in their last nine league outings and a persistent ill-discipline problem plaguing their season. Despite the immediate gloom, there are calls for patience and unity. Chelsea legend Paul Canoville appealed for support behind the new manager.
"Liam Rosenior is a quality coach who knows the game inside out, and that's what matters most," Canoville said. He urged the fanbase to rally, adding, "So yes, it is a massive moment for the club... But right now? Let's back Liam, give him what he needs, and let the man do his work."
However, the problems at Stamford Bridge appear vast and immediate. The team must now find a way to channel their frustration and discover a spark of brilliance under Rosenior's guidance to salvage their faltering season.
