“He’s been excellent” - Jason Cundy labels 22-year-old Chelsea star as man of the match in Fulham win
Pundit Jason Cundy praised Chelsea ace Enzo Fernandez for his performance in his side's narrow 1-0 win over neighbors Fulham at home on Saturday, January 13. The Argentine midfielder was influential for the Blues as they put out an assured performance for much of the encounter at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea spent very heavily to get Enzo Fernandez to Stamford Bridge last year, paying £105 million to Benfica for his services. For much of 2023, the 22-year-old was the sole shining light, doing a thankless job for the club.
The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino this season has coincided with some struggles for the midfielder, who has struggled with some injury concerns. He was taken off early in the second half of his side's midweek defeat to Middlesborough in the semifinal of the Carabao Cup.
Fernandez bounced back with an assured performance against Fulham, and he was named as the Man of the Match. Cundy had special praise for the midfielder via the Chelsea app, labeling his performance in the game as an excellent one.
He said:
“My man of the match, Enzo. I think he’s been excellent.”
Enzo Fernandez finished the match with the most attempted passes into the opposition half (33), the most chances created (3) and the most long passes completed (5). He also had three key passes, won nine duels, and made three clearances and six recoveries in the match.
The former River Plate man was influential for his side from deep, just as he was when both sides faced at Craven Cottage earlier this season. His performance was complemented by those of Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher as the Blues claimed all three points.
Chelsea claim vital derby win over Fulham
Fulham arrived for the game against Chelsea after shaking up Liverpool and losing narrowly in the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg in midweek. They defeated Arsenal in the league in December and were looking for another big London rival's scalp.
The Blues controlled the game for the most part but failed to breach a resolute Fulham backline. It took until the stroke of halftime for their dominance to yield results, as Cole Palmer scored his ninth goal of the season from the penalty spot.
Chelsea have now won four home league games in a row for the first in three-and-a-half years, and three home games for the first time since October 2022. The Blues are now momentarily up to eighth in the league, an impressive turnaround in their fortunes.
Pochettino's side next face Middlesborough at Stamford Bridge looking to overcome a 1-0 first-leg deficit in the EFL Cup semi-final. A win at home could put them into the final of the Carabao Cup, and potentially win them the trophy.