By Ewan Day-Collins

Chelsea 1 (Mata, 47)
Fulham 1 (Dempsey, 56)

When Bryan Ruiz cut loose on the right, rounded a defender with superb skill then sent in an inviting cross that was tapped by Dempsey’s foot into the goal it was perhaps a portent for Chelsea. If it needed clarification the West-London side are now firmly in a tussle for third place; the league title finally beyond them.

This wasted opportunity to close the ever-increasing gap between them and Manchester City showed the conviction that has been missing for the last two seasons. The deserted strength to not only achieve results against the league leaders and high-fliers Newcastle, but to subsequently support this with three points against lesser teams such as Wigan and Fulham has been what has inhibited Chelsea in recent years – and it was once again shown today.

It could have been a more prosperous outing for Chelsea if Torres, Malouda and Drogba had not all squandered clear-cut chances. But could haves, should haves and would haves are not what makes champions, it is only the score-line that bares significance.

Mata’s goal, a fierce shot into the corner from inside the area, showed promise after a first-half that fluctuated between banal and dreadful; the Spaniard being a chief culprit himself. Ambitious shots from 30 yards, attempted flicks and frequent loss of possession proves the desperation of this London club fighting to remain inside the top four. The cries of “super Frank (Lampard)” were more in hope of creativity than the scant offerings the man endeavouring to secure a regular starting place actually delivered.

Chimes of “there’s only one Chelsea captain” provided solace to John Terry who proved he is not fazed by the allegations of racial abuse directed towards him. Despite the chorus of boos from the Fulham fans at his every touch and demands of “Terry for prison”, the England captain showed his critics what he is still able to achieve on the football pitch.

Fernando Torres did not, however. Neither did Oriol Romeu, David Luis or the majority of the Chelsea line-up. Only Raul Merieles displayed any attacking intent in the first-half, his understated presence demonstrating once again why he is integral to the Blues, particularly with Ramires suspended for this match.

Even though a late flurry of chances occurred, falling mostly to the astute substitutions of Andre Villas-Boas, the conviction of the finishes was usually feeble. Malouda was reminiscing, in his play, of the times when he sprinted down the flanks to provide brilliance, though this time Drogba could not finish.

Fulham were not particularly good, yet not extremely poor either. Few chances fell their way, but when they did they capitalised; Clint Dempsey’s goal showing how potent this side can be even without Bobby Zamora in the team. Overall, the squad from the other side of the Thames shut out their opponents well, giving sufficient reason for the large away support to clamour that “there’s only one team in Fulham”, in reference to Stamford Bridge’s precise geographical location.
 
This was hardly the most pressing issue for Villas-Boas to worry about, however. And neither was the tube strike that ensured a few, but not too many empty seats. Even though Chelsea maintain their 35 year unbeaten run against Fulham in the league at home, this will come as little comfort for a manager now under-pressure, not to win the league, but to cling on to its meagre consolations.

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