Enzo Fernandez’s Chelsea debut ended in a frustrating draw against Fulham as the Blues failed to break down the well-organized visitors at Stamford Bridge on 3rd Feb 2023.
The £ 106.5 million deadline day signing was kept largely subdued as the hosts remained stuck in ninth in the Premier League table and failed to improve their indifferent form. In the reverse fixture three weeks ago, the Blues were beaten by Fulham in a closely-fought encounter.
This time, the home side had the better of the chances, but they could not find the cutting edge in front of the goal. Kai Havertz came close in his first-half chip, hitting the goal post with Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno stranded.
David Datro Fofana had a chance to score it late but saw his effort cleared off the line by Tim Ream. Enzo Fernandez looked comfortable and showed touches of class, spraying pinpoint passes and timing his tackles well.
But the World Cup-winning midfielder could not inspire his new team-mates to victory, and the Blues spurned several chances to break the deadlock. On the other hand, Fulham was excited to come away from Stamford Bridge with a point that lifted them to sixth in
stranded. David Datro Fofana had a chance to score it late but saw his effort cleared off the line by Tim Ream. Enzo Fernandez looked comfortable and showed touches of class, spraying pinpoint passes and timing his tackles well.
But the World Cup-winning midfielder could not inspire his new team-mates to victory, and the Blues spurned several chances to break the deadlock. On the other hand, Fulham was excited to come away from Stamford Bridge with a point that lifted them to sixth in the premier table.
The visitors defended stoutly and could even have stolen all three points had Willian, Aleksandar Mitrovic, or Andreas Pereira converted any of their chances. It was a disappointing evening for the Blues and their American owners, who have invested heavily in the team in the January transfer window.
Despite splashing out £315m on new players, Chelsea remains stuck in mid-table and unable to hold on to the optimism generated by the new arrivals.
With a top-four finish now looking unlikely, the Blues must focus on securing a place in the Europa League. It is a far cry from the heights they were aiming for at the start of the season, but they must make the most of the situation they find themselves in.
Enzo Fernandez’s debut may not have gone to plan, but the player will be hoping he can make a more significant impact in the coming weeks and months as Chelsea looks to secure European football for next season.
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