In the late kickoff between Chelsea and Fulham, it was two second-half goals from midfielders Oscar and John Obi Mikel that sealed all three points for the hosts. Fulham had a chance to take the lead in the first half, when Darren Bent was put through on goal. But Chelsea 'keeper Petr Cech was more than equal to his tame effort. The sides continued to exchanged half-chances, but any highlights of note were few and far between. After a stalemated affair in the first 45 minutes, the Blues were the first side to draw first blood with Oscar pouncing on a parried Samuel Eto'o shot in the 52nd minute. Chelsea were the side who continued to pressure their London compatriots, but they were certainly looking ordinary when in possession and devoid of creativity on the pitch. Fulham did even threaten an equaliser when midfielder Steve Sidwell missed the target from a header at the far post. The Cottagers were made to rue the missed opportunity when John Obi Mikel volleyed home with just over five minutes of normal time to play to seal all three points. Chelsea finish the day in pole position in the Premier League, and Fulham drop to 18th place.
Crippy Cooke, 23, is a freelance Football Writer contributing to What Culture. He's had work featured on Zoo, MSN, London 24, The Telegraph, The Huffington Post, and was recently named Writer of the Year on FTBpro - while also a nominee for Best Male Blog in the Football Blogging Awards.
