Fulham 2-1 Chelsea
By Ray McDonald
Around SW6, hearts both soared and broke after a truly historic game at Craven Cottage last Thursday (12 January). For the first time in 16 long years, Fulham defeated fellow H&F Premier League team, Chelsea, in a game no one predicted.
As we took our places for the much-anticipated performance on the field, the buzz was infectious. The stands were crammed with people of all ages, filled with excitement and hope on both sides.
An emotional tribute to former Chelsea player and manager, Gianluca Vialli, brought everyone in the Cottage together to echo out his name, clapping to celebrate his legacy.
The whistle blew to start a fast-paced and exhilarating first half. Both sides held their own, seemed evenly matched and were playing a classy game. Even after the Whites took an early lead with Willian's shot deflected in by a Chelsea defender, he showed respect for his former, much-loved home by opting out of celebrating.
Half-time hummed with reserved, hopeful chatter from the Fulham side, while the away fans remained optimistic. And they were rewarded almost immediately as Chelsea came back with a vengeance in the 47th minute with an equaliser by Koulibaly.
It didn't last long. You could feel every Blues fan hold their breath after a dangerous lunge cost their new £10m loan, 23-year-old João Félix, the end of his debut – and the next three, including another Fulham face off.
The atmosphere shifted with Chelsea playing a man down. A clever goal by Vinicius, stepping out from the shadow of Fulham's suspended legend Mitrovic, elevated the home team to 2-1 – the final score.
"For our fans, it's so special. I felt it after the final whistle," recounted Fulham manager, Marco Silva.
Fulham fans soaked up the glory of the moment and hovered in the Cottage after the game, chanting and cheering their long-awaited victory and their elevation to sixth place in the league. The friendly rivalry with their SW6 neighbours made the win even sweeter.
It was tough but exhilarating game for both sides.
We are always amazed by both our boys in blue and the Cottagers. We are proud to have two such Premier League teams in our borough. You've made us proud.
We're already looking forward to the return fixture on 3 February.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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