Fulham vs Chelsea preview

England flag 2026/2027 Premier League, England
Craven Cottage
Premier League
FulhamFUL
2 3
ChelseaCHE
Full Time
Round 1 Regular Season
Josh King - 23'
Goal
|
Goal
Cole Palmer - 49'

CONTEXT

The encounter between Fulham and Chelsea concluded with a 2-3 scoreline in favor of the visitors. Chelsea, identified as the stronger side, overcame an early deficit in possession to claim the win. At halftime, the score stood at 1-2. Fulham dominated the ball with 62 percent possession but generated an expected goals total of 1.55, while Chelsea recorded 1.86 despite holding only 38 percent. The xG differential of negative 0.31 reflected Chelsea's efficiency in converting opportunities. No red cards were shown to either team throughout the ninety minutes. The outcome proved consistent with the pre-match projections and the underlying metrics. This result highlighted Chelsea's ability to perform effectively even when not controlling the majority of possession.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Fulham 2-3 Chelsea. Chelsea showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift remained in line with expectations across both teams.
  • xG alignment: The match outcome aligned with the xG values of 1.55 for Fulham and 1.86 for Chelsea.
  • Market alignment: The result stayed aligned with pre-match assessments of team capabilities.
  • xG expectations: Chelsea fulfilled xG expectations by outperforming Fulham on lower possession.
  • Event impact: Limited major events allowed the xG differential to shape the final result.
  • Red card distortion: Zero red cards issued meant no distortion occurred from disciplinary incidents.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
J. Brooks
J. Brooks
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.32
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
A. Nunn
A. Nunn
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
D. Cook
D. Cook
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
P. Tierney
P. Tierney
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Fulham Á. Arbeloa Coca
Á. Arbeloa Coca
VS
Chelsea X. Alonso Olano
X. Alonso Olano
1.36
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
0.64
1.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
Newcastle United Rank: 89 W
Wolverhampton Wanderers Rank: 79 D
AFC Bournemouth Rank: 90 L
Arsenal Rank: 98 L
Aston Villa Rank: 91 W
Brentford Rank: 89 D
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
0.67 i
Last 6 Opponents
Sunderland Rank: 83 L
Tottenham Hotspur Rank: 85 W
Liverpool Rank: 90 D
Nottingham Forest Rank: 87 L
Brighton & Hove Albion Rank: 90 L
Manchester United Rank: 90 L
2
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
2 - 0 - 2
2

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
86.4
88.53
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Fulham
Chelsea
Power Score
86.4
88.53
League Position
12
6
Global Rank
28
18

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Fulham — Opponent-weighted form score
Chelsea — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Fulham Chelsea

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Fulham

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Chelsea

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Fulham ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Chelsea
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
27.58
52.76
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
52.76
27.58
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Fulham -1.97 Efficiency Index
vs
Chelsea +1.97 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Fulham
Chelsea
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Fulham
vs
Chelsea
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Fulham Chelsea
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
3%
21%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.05 vs -0.39
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Fulham Chelsea
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
21%
3%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.39 vs -0.05
Fulham
Chelsea
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Fulham
vs
Chelsea
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Fulham Chelsea
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Fulham 0.23
Chelsea 0.44
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Fulham Chelsea
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Fulham 0.07
Chelsea 0.03
Fulham
Chelsea
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • FUL had peak pressure around 29'.
  • CHE started the game with stronger pressure.
FUL Pressure CHE Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: FUL reached the top pressure at 29' (100.00).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 4 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Fulham FUL Home
4 matches
Chelsea CHE Away
Match Record
2
Wins
2
0
Draws
0
2
Losses
2
Goals
5
Goals Scored
6
6
Goals Conceded
5
-1
Goal Difference
+1
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-25T00:07:18+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Match Formation 3-4-2-1
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Competition
2026/2027 Premier League, England · Round 1 · Regular Season
Stadium
Craven Cottage
Capacity
25700
Attendance
27461
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
John Brooks
Adam Nunn
Daniel Cook
Paul Tierney

Statistics

Possession
FUL
57%
CHE
43%

Top Statistics

2 Goals 3
2 Big Chances Created 4
3 Shots 5
62 Dangerous attacks 41
62 Possession 38
6 Corners 4
10 Free kicks 11
2 Yellow Cards 3

Match Overview

95 Ball Safe 83
11 Goal Kicks 5
6 Goal Attempts 6
4 Substitutions 5
17 Throwins 14
14 Successful Headers 8
1 Assists 3
20 Dribble Attempts 20
8 Successful Dribbles 14
40 Successful Dribbles Percentage 70

Attacking

114 Attacks 94
1 Big Chances Missed 1

Possession

64 Long Passes 60
620 Passes 389
533 Successful Passes 317
86 Successful Passes Percentage 81
10 Key Passes 16
35 Successful Long Passes 22
55 Successful Long Passes Percentage 37

Defensive

3 Saves 4
20 Tackles 23
9 Interceptions 7
49 Duels Won 56

Build-up

17 Total Crosses 11
4 Accurate Crosses 5

Discipline

0 Offsides 3
12 Fouls 7

Lineup

Referee : John Brooks

Starting XI ▼

1
Bernd Leno
Bernd Leno Goalkeeper
6.49
3
Calvin Bassey
Calvin Bassey (C) Defender
6.47
4
Jorge Cuenca
Jorge Cuenca Defender
6.79
21
Timothy Castagne
Timothy Castagne Defender
7.08
33
Antonee Robinson
Antonee Robinson Defender
6.47
9
Rodrigo Muniz
Rodrigo Muniz
Attacker82'
6.82
8
César Palacios
César Palacios Midfielder
6.47
11
Kevin
Kevin
Attacker73'
6.46
14
Oscar Bobb
Oscar Bobb Midfielder
6.52
19
Shea Charles
Shea Charles
Midfielder67'
6.72
16
Sander Berge
Sander Berge Midfielder
6.67
30
Ryan Sessegnon
Ryan Sessegnon
Midfielder73'
6.7
17
Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi Midfielder
6.81
24
Josh King
Josh King Midfielder
7.06
7
Gonzalo García
Gonzalo García Attacker
7.29
Referee : John Brooks

Starting XI ▼

1
Robert Sánchez
Robert Sánchez Goalkeeper
6.37
5
Maxence Lacroix
Maxence Lacroix Defender
7.19
6
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill Defender
6.26
34
Josh Acheampong
Josh Acheampong Defender
6.97
21
Jorrel Hato
Jorrel Hato Midfielder
6.8
29
Pep Chavarría
Pep Chavarría
Defender65'
6.27
24
Reece James
Reece James (C) Midfielder
6.86
27
Malo Gusto
Malo Gusto Midfielder
6.5
7
Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto
Attacker76'
6.96
45
Roméo Lavia
Roméo Lavia Midfielder
6.67
8
Enzo Fernández
Enzo Fernández
Midfielder65'
6.64
9
João Pedro
João Pedro Attacker
8.14
10
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer Attacker
9
41
Estêvão
Estêvão
Attacker83'
6.45
17
Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers Attacker
8.17
23
Geovany Quenda
Geovany Quenda
Midfielder82'
6.5

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Timothy Castagne
Foul / 5th Yellowcard
88'
83'
Event
Estêvão → Cole Palmer
9th Substitution
Event
Rodrigo Muniz → Antonee Robinson
7th Substitution
82'
82'
Event
Geovany Quenda → Morgan Rogers
8th Substitution
Event
Calvin Bassey
Simulation / 4th Yellowcard
76'
76'
Event
Pedro Neto → Malo Gusto
6th Substitution
75'
Event
Reece James 
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
Event
Kevin → César Palacios
4th Substitution
73'
Event
Ryan Sessegnon → Sander Berge
5th Substitution
73'
Event
Shea Charles → Oscar Bobb
3rd Substitution
67'
65'
Event
Pep Chavarría → Jorrel Hato
1st Substitution
65'
Event
Enzo Fernández → Roméo Lavia
2nd Substitution
Event
Gonzalo García
Header / 5th Goal
54'
49'
Event
Cole Palmer
Left foot shot / 4th Goal
1ST-HALF
41'
Event
Morgan Rogers
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
Event
Josh King
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
23'
12'
Event
Roméo Lavia
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
5'
Event
Levi Colwill
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
1'
Event
João Pedro
Right foot shot / 1st Goal

Match Commentary

90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt saved. Robert Sánchez from Chelsea saves a right-footed shot from outside the box by Rodrigo Muniz of Fulham, which was aimed at the top center of the goal.
90
Attempt Attempt
Pedro Neto from Chelsea attempts a left-footed shot from a tough angle on the right, but it goes close and misses to the right. He was assisted by Enzo Fernández.
90
Attempt Attempt
Gonzalo García's right-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. The attempt was assisted by Rodrigo Muniz with a headed pass.
90
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 4 minutes of added time.
90
Update Update
Enzo Fernández from Chelsea wins a free kick in the defensive half.
90
Update Update
Gonzalo García from Fulham commits a foul.
90
Update Update
Geovany Quenda of Chelsea is caught offside.
89
Corner Corner
Chelsea win a corner after Ryan Sessegnon concedes.
88
Update Update
Levi Colwill from Chelsea wins a free kick in the defensive half.
88
Update Update
Timothy Castagne from Fulham commits a foul.
88
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Timothy Castagne from Fulham receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
84
Corner Corner
Ryan Sessegnon's left-footed shot from a tough angle on the left is saved in the bottom left corner by Chelsea's Robert Sánchez. The attempt was assisted by Jorge Cuenca.
84
Corner Corner
Fulham win a corner after Robert Sánchez concedes.
83
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Chelsea: Estêvão comes on for Cole Palmer due to an injury.
82
Update Update
Foul committed by Kevin of Fulham.
82
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Fulham: Rodrigo Muniz comes on for Antonee Robinson.
82
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Chelsea: Geovany Quenda comes on for Morgan Rogers.
82
Update Update
Cole Palmer from Chelsea wins a free kick in the defensive half.
78
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Antonee Robinson from Fulham takes a right-footed shot from outside the box, but it goes to the right. Jorge Cuenca provided the assist.
76
Update Update
Calvin Bassey of Fulham has gone down, but the referee considers it simulation.
76
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Calvin Bassey of Fulham receives a yellow card.
76
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Chelsea: Pedro Neto comes on for Malo Gusto.
75
Update Update
Josh King from Fulham wins a free kick on the left wing.
75
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Reece James from Chelsea receives a yellow card for a foul.
75
Update Update
Reece James commits a foul for Chelsea.
74
Update Update
Foul committed by Kevin of Fulham.
74
Update Update
Josh Acheampong from Chelsea wins a free kick in the defensive half.
73
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Fulham: Kevin comes on for César Palacios.
73
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Fulham: Ryan Sessegnon comes on for Sander Berge.
72
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Josh King from Fulham takes a right-footed shot from outside the box that is close but goes to the left. He was assisted by Antonee Robinson.
69
Update Update
Maxence Lacroix from Chelsea wins a free kick in the defensive half.
69
Update Update
César Palacios from Fulham commits a foul.
67
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Fulham: Shea Charles comes on for Oscar Bobb.
66
Update Update
Offside for Chelsea. Josh Acheampong is caught offside.
65
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Chelsea: Pep Chavarría comes on for Jorrel Hato due to an injury.
65
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Chelsea: Enzo Fernández comes on for Roméo Lavia.
64
Update Update
Jorrel Hato from Chelsea wins a free kick in the defensive half.
64
Update Update
Gonzalo García from Fulham committed a foul.
63
Attempt Attempt
João Pedro from Chelsea misses an attempt with a right-footed shot from outside the box that goes too high, assisted by Morgan Rogers.
60
Update Update
Maxence Lacroix from Chelsea commits a foul.
60
Update Update
Gonzalo García from Fulham wins a free kick on the left wing.
57
Corner Corner
Fulham win a corner after Roméo Lavia concedes.
54
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Robert Sánchez (Chelsea) saves a left-footed shot from the center of the box by Timothy Castagne (Fulham).
54
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Fulham 2, Chelsea 3. Gonzalo García scores for Fulham with a header from very close range into the top left corner.
52
Update Update
Foul committed by Timothy Castagne of Fulham.
52
Update Update
Jorrel Hato from Chelsea is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
49
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Chelsea leads Fulham 3-1. Cole Palmer scores with a left-footed shot from a tough angle on the left side into the center of the goal, assisted by João Pedro.
48
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Cole Palmer from Chelsea takes a left-footed shot from the right side of the box but misses to the left. Roméo Lavia provided the assist.
47
Attempt Attempt
João Pedro's left-footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. He was assisted by Roméo Lavia.
47
Update Update
Foul committed by João Pedro of Chelsea.
47
Update Update
Timothy Castagne from Fulham wins a free kick in the defensive half.
46
Update Update
The second half begins with the score at Fulham 1, Chelsea 2.
45
Update Update
Morgan Rogers from Chelsea wins a free kick in the defensive half.
45
Update Update
Foul committed by Oscar Bobb of Fulham.
45
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 2 minutes of added time.
44
Attempt Attempt
Cole Palmer from Chelsea misses the target with a left-footed shot from outside the box, sending the ball to the left. Morgan Rogers provided the assist.
41
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Chelsea leads 2-1 as Morgan Rogers scores with a right-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Maxence Lacroix.
40
Update Update
João Pedro from Chelsea wins a free kick in the attacking half.
40
Update Update
Foul committed by Josh King of Fulham.
39
Attempt Attempt
Calvin Bassey's left-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. The attempt was assisted by Sander Berge.
36
Update Update
Jorrel Hato's header from the center of the box is blocked. He was assisted by Reece James, who provided the cross.
36
Update Update
Cole Palmer from Chelsea wins a free kick on the right wing.
36
Update Update
César Palacios from Fulham commits a foul.
36
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Roméo Lavia of Chelsea has his right-footed shot from very close range saved in the bottom left corner by Bernd Leno of Fulham. The assist came from Jorrel Hato.
36
Corner Corner
Chelsea win a corner after Bernd Leno concedes.
35
Corner Corner
Chelsea wins a corner after César Palacios concedes.
33
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Morgan Rogers from Chelsea has a right-footed shot from outside the box that is blocked. João Pedro provided the assist.
33
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Reece James from Chelsea has a left-footed shot from the right side of the box, but Bernd Leno from Fulham saves it in the bottom right corner.
30
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. João Pedro from Chelsea had a right-footed shot from the center of the box that was close but went to the right. He was assisted by Cole Palmer with a cross.
29
Update Update
Cole Palmer from Chelsea wins a free kick in the defensive half.
29
Update Update
Foul committed by Josh King of Fulham.
29
Corner Corner
Fulham win a corner after Maxence Lacroix concedes.
28
Update Update
Foul committed by Malo Gusto of Chelsea.
28
Update Update
Gonzalo García from Fulham is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
27
Attempt Attempt
Gonzalo García's right-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked. Oscar Bobb provided the assist.
27
Attempt Attempt
César Palacios of Fulham has a right-footed shot from the center of the box blocked. The attempt was assisted by Timothy Castagne's cross.
26
Update Update
Cole Palmer is caught offside for Chelsea.
23
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The match is now 1-1 between Fulham and Chelsea. Josh King scores for Fulham with a right-footed shot from the right side of the box to the center of the goal, assisted by Timothy Castagne.
22
Attempt Attempt
Sander Berge's right-footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.
21
Corner Corner
César Palacios from Fulham misses an attempt with a right-footed shot from outside the box, sending it high and wide to the right. The shot was assisted by Josh King after a corner.
20
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt saved. Josh King from Fulham has his right-footed shot from outside the box saved in the top center of the goal by Chelsea's Robert Sánchez. The assist came from Sander Berge.
20
Corner Corner
Fulham win a corner after Robert Sánchez concedes.
19
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Cole Palmer's left-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked, with an assist from Morgan Rogers.
14
Corner Corner
Fulham wins a corner after Robert Sánchez concedes.
12
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Roméo Lavia from Chelsea receives a yellow card for a foul.
12
Update Update
Calvin Bassey of Fulham wins a free kick in the defensive half.
12
Update Update
Foul committed by Roméo Lavia of Chelsea.
10
Corner Corner
Fulham win a corner after Jorrel Hato concedes.
8
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Cole Palmer's right-footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top right corner by Bernd Leno. The assist came from Morgan Rogers.
6
Attempt Attempt
Levi Colwill's left-footed shot from the left side of the box for Chelsea is blocked.
5
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Levi Colwill of Chelsea receives a yellow card for a foul.
5
Update Update
Levi Colwill from Chelsea commits a foul.
5
Update Update
Oscar Bobb from Fulham is awarded a free kick in the attacking half.
4
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Morgan Rogers from Chelsea has a right-footed shot from outside the box that is blocked. Cole Palmer provided the assist.
4
Corner Corner
Chelsea win a corner after Antonee Robinson concedes.
4
Attempt Attempt
Reece James' right-footed shot from outside the box for Chelsea is blocked. Morgan Rogers provided the assist.
3
Update Update
Morgan Rogers from Chelsea commits a foul.
3
Update Update
Timothy Castagne from Fulham wins a free kick on the right wing.
1
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Chelsea takes the lead 1-0 against Fulham as João Pedro scores with a right-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom left corner, assisted by Cole Palmer during a fast break.
1
Update Update
First half begins.

CONCLUSION

Chelsea's victory over Fulham demonstrated the value of clinical chance conversion above possession control. Fulham's 62 percent ball dominance yielded only 1.55 xG and proved insufficient against Chelsea's 1.86 xG output. The visitors recovered from the 1-2 halftime position through effective opportunity exploitation. Review of the metrics confirms the 2-3 score followed the expected goals path without external influences. Both sides maintained discipline with no red cards recorded. The data illustrates Chelsea's capacity to adjust to different match conditions while meeting underlying performance indicators. Possession statistics alone did not determine the winner in this instance.