It will become clear in due course if this victory represents a turning point for Chelsea. The worry, however, is that it merely masked the flaws in Frank Lampard’s game management. The challenge was to break Fulham down after Antonee Robinson’s dismissal set up a second half of defence versus attack and the pressure on Lampard was rising before Mason Mount shattered the tension, producing the kind of decisiveness largely absent from Chelsea’s attacking play.
Another inquest was on the cards before Mount summoned fine technique to drive home a low volley with 12 minutes left, securing Lampard a second league win in seven games. Uninspired for long spells,
Chelsea spent a lot of time running down dead ends. They were profligate when openings did appear and although their patience was rewarded in the end, Chelsea’s struggle to capitalise on their numerical advantage was a concern.