Fulham maximised their capabilities to hold Chelsea to a scoreless draw on the road at Stamford Bridge on Friday. Despite making his debut for The Blues, Enzo Fernandez, the current most expensive player in English football, remained muted throughout the contest.
Graham Potter’s squad dropped to ninth place in the League standings as a result of the tie. In the January transfer window, Chelsea made headlines by spending over $350 million, the majority of which went toward acquiring Fernandez (who cost an eye-popping $106.5 million).
Twenty minutes from time, the Argentine had a break, but his shot missed the goal by a hair. Substitute David Fofana beat Bernd Leno one-on-one but had his shot blocked by Tim Ream, who was protecting the line, to prevent Chelsea’s greatest opportunity of the game.
At the conclusion of the English Premier League match between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez (right) embraced teammate Cesar Azpilicueta. The score was tied at the conclusion of regulation.
During their English Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge in London, Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, foreground, attempts to dribble past Fulham’s Andreas Pereira.
In this scene from the English Premier League match between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge in London, Reece James of Chelsea handles the ball close to Antonee Robinson of Fulham, right.
Premier League soccer action between Chelsea and Fulham at London’s Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s Reece James takes aim.
During their English Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge in London, Fulham’s Harrison Reed controlled the ball near to Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, right.
During their English Premier League encounter against Fulham at Stamford Bridge in London, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez made a couple of nice runs with the ball.
During their English Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge in London, Chelsea’s Kai Havertz and Fulham’s Issa Diop fought for possession of the ball.
English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge stadium in London. From left to right: Bobby De Cordova-Reid (Fulham) vs. Thiago Silva (Chelsea) and Benoit Badiashile (Fulham).
Willian, of Fulham, keeps possession of the ball as Chelsea’s goalkeeper makes a save at Stamford Bridge in London during a Premier League match.
Before Chelsea’s English Premier League match against Fulham at London’s Staples Center, new acquisition Enzo Fernandez makes a show of gestures.