EXCL: Pochettino hit board's festive targets, Ferguson appreciated, Nusa discussed, Short-term options could be explored, Benzema? Firmino? Chalobah latest, Middlesbrough predictions, More...
The Ben Jacobs Chelsea FC column!
Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Fulham was important, and their third-straight Premier League victory. Results are improving, and that's encouraging, but I felt the overall performance still exposed some flaws despite the three points.
It was one of those games where had Fulham equalised there would have been an inevitable meltdown from the fanbase. The truth is, Chelsea are still struggling to kill games off, and that always leads to tense finishes even in matches they win. But Chelsea are suddenly in touching distance of some form of European football, and that has to be viewed as a big positive.
Pochettino was told over the festive period the expectation was to reduce the gap on fifth to single digits, and he’s been able to do that. Chelsea have more goals and points compared to this time last season, and yet they should still have even more goals and points!
Cole Palmer was again sensational against Fulham. He’s now scored nine Premier League goals and is playing with a swagger. Djordje Petrovic should also be singled out. He made a couple of smart saves and is proving a calm presence between the sticks. Enzo Fernandez also had his best game in a while.
