Two West London rivals faced each other at Stamford Bridge earlier tonight in a well-fought contest. Chelsea and Fulham, two in-form teams that have exceeded pre-season expectations, produced a competitive match.
Despite taking the lead in the first half through a magical Cole Palmer move, Fulham surged to stage a dramatic comeback after Marco Silva's shrewd substitutions. This article will comprehensively evaluate the tactical battle that unfolded in West London.
Chelsea's Build-Up and Fulham's Defensive Shape
In settled possession, Chelsea set up in a 3-1-6 shape - a system we've seen Enzo Maresca opt for on multiple occasions this season. This meant that Marc Cucurella would join the frontline in the half-space while Malo Gusto tucked in to join the back three.
In settled possession, Chelsea set-up in a 3-1-6 shape - a system we've seen Maresca opt for on multiple occasions this season.
— Fahd (@fahdahmed987) December 26, 2024
This meant that Cucurella would join the frontline in the half-space whilst Gusto tucked in to join the back three.
Meanwhile, Fulham were in an… pic.twitter.com/9H7hlO53DJ
Meanwhile, Fulham organized themselves in a 4-1-4-1 defensive structure. Although this setup gave Chelsea a numerical advantage against Fulham's backline, Silva's approach ensured that the wide men, Adama Traore and Alex Iwobi, shadow-marked Chelsea's No. 8s, Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez, negating direct access to them.
CFC could still progress the ball to these players either through wide combinations or if Fulham's wide players miscalculated their pressing angles.
Though on paper this meant that Chelsea had a +2 advantage against Fulham's backline, Silva's set-up delegated responsibility to the wide men (Traore and Iwobi) to shadow-mark the Chelsea no.8s (Cucurella and Enzo).
— Fahd (@fahdahmed987) December 26, 2024
This would negate direct access into the Chelsea no.8s.… pic.twitter.com/vshsk09zEb