It’s hard to deny that the Blues’ performance against Fulham last Friday wasn’t at least a little disappointing. Considering the club’s massive spending during the January window, many supporters were expecting an instant improvement in terms of attacking output. Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, and David Datro Fofana all made cameos, but none were able to find the crucial goal and secure a Chelsea victory. Despite the lack of team cohesion, Enzo Fernandez looked to be worth all €125 million in his Premier League debut.
The world champion’s display was worthy of Man of the Match honors, and with a fitter supporting cast around him in the midfield, he’ll continue to improve with each passing game. It would take a minor miracle for the pride to qualify for next year’s Champions League, so I’m no longer stressing about dropped points on a week-to-week basis. Tangible improvements in the team’s style and confidence are much more important going forward, in my opinion.
With that being said, it would be nice to at least finish in the top half of the table. The Blues will need to start collecting consistent victories if that’s going to happen, especially against the worst sides in the English top flight. West Ham has certainly been one of those this season. The Hammers currently sit 17th, just one point above the relegation zone, and are in genuine danger of being sent down for the first time since 2010-11.