What Pochettino said after Chelsea hung on for victory vs Fulham

It wouldn't be right to label the match, which ended 1-0 to Chelsea, as dull. But it wasn't lively with quality, let's put it that way. At the end of the day, three points were secured and that is obviously the main outcome. Yet I can't help thinking back to the Blues' unimaginative first half display. Palmer was wide on the right, an area he can cause damage from. Although, the game was screaming out for the CFC star to drift inwards to further influence proceedings. He seemed to do so just before dispatching his penalty, presumably due to instructions via Pochettino.

The match-winner, Palmer, then spoke to media subsequent to a particularly nail-biting finale to the fixture as the Cottagers threw everything at a resilient Chels' defence. Incidentally, the home side weren't as statistically dominant in this one as some supporters may have assumed. Anyway, the latest fan favourite on Fulham Road admitted that he was pleased to help the team by scoring; as a forward, Palmer declared that decisive moments are his job.

What did Mauricio Pochettino say about Chelsea's win over Fulham?

OK, this writer believes there is still much work to be done regarding Blues attacking. There are times when midfield protagonists and the front line seem completely devoid of ideas. Too many touches on the ball, slow decision-making and a lack of risk taking all contributes. But what did 'Poch' make of it?

"Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, speaking to TNT Sports: "It was a different momentum during the game. The first half was really tough but we played really, really well in the second half for the first 30 minutes. I think we deserved our victory, we were the better team. I am so, so pleased."

On Malo Gusto's tackle: "Of course I understand. I respect his opinion. It was a challenge, a difficult one for the referees and VAR. We've already suffered some sendings off for actions like this. I'm not going to say nothing, I accept and understand that it was maybe a red card. I don't to say too much because I've not seen all the angles. That is football though, sometimes it is for you and sometimes it isn't."

On Cole Palmer: "We believe in him, even when he didn't score with the three big chances in Middlesbrough. We believe in him and he has the quality to play. It is important for young guys to feel the support of the coaching staff, club and team-mates. It is the first season they [Palmer and Levi Colwill] are playing consistently every week and this kind of up and down can happen. It is important to relay that confidence and belief."

On Ben Chilwell returning: "It is important to have players with experience of the Premier League. If we compared our players to Fulham's players, they have players who have played in the league for many years and us not too many. We talk about this is Chelsea, and yes, sure, but we are in a process to a build a team that are new. This is the type of game that can help us believe in the process."

On three Premier League wins on the bounce: "This type of victory is important because when you see Fulham in the way they played against Liverpool or Arsenal in the last few weeks you need to put some value on the win. The players deserved credit. They are not an easy side to play against. People suppose that Chelsea should be in a different position but we are in a realistic position and in a position that we deserve because we weren't clinical enough. we'll get what we want. We are in a process to build and fighting to do our best. I am so happy with the squad.""