Fulham (0) 0 v 2 (2) Chelsea
18 Mudryk, assist Colwill
19 Broja
Played Monday 2 October 2023 at Craven Cottage, attendance 24,445.
A goal at last for multi-million pounds buy Mykhailo Mudryk – his first in 10 months – may have changed his and Chelsea’s fortunes. A second soon after from Armando Broja – back from a serious knee injury after 11 months – may have given hope too. Hope for Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino and Blues’ fans that this season will get better, and for the owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital that some of their money may have been well spent. For Fulham fans there was more frustration as second half chances were wasted. Chelsea now are above Fulham in the Premier League (PL) table for the first time in almost a year.
There are no Premier London Derbies (PLDs) matches for the next two weekends, but both these Clubs are in action again in the following round of PLDs matches. On Saturday 21 October it’s Chelsea v Arsenal, and on Monday 23 October Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham, but more of those later.
Spurs were the PLDs Club involved in the most controversial incident in a PL match this last weekend on Saturday 30 September 2023 v Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. An incident which reminded us that whatever we think of VAR the on-field Referee’s decision is final, and there should be nothing bigger than the game of football itself. But we now live in a time and culture where there is always blame and abuse has become the norm. When such an incident happens again, and it will, then the reaction will be the same unless we all change for the better. The need for success and money has ruined the game we loved.
Until next time, try to enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.