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LONDON — Chelsea's British record signing Enzo Fernandez got his first taste of Premier League football in a 0-0 draw against his new club's visiting neighbours Fulham in a lively but ultimately disappointing Friday night derby.
The World Cup-winning midfielder, who cost Chelsea's American owners nearly $128.98 million from Benfica, looked comfortable and showed touches of class, spraying pinpoint passes and timing his tackles well.
But it was Fulham who finished the game happier at Stamford Bridge, having earned four points from their wealthy neighbors in two league games this season, moving them up one place to sixth in the table and in touch with the European spots.
The hosts, beaten 2-1 by Fulham in the reverse fixture three weeks ago, could not find a cutting edge in front of goal.
Tim Ream vs. Chelsea
TIM REAM!
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 3, 2023
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Kai Havertz coming closest when his first-half chip hit the post with Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno stranded.
They are two points clear of ninth-placed Chelsea, who have 30 points from 21 matches and a game in hand.
Chelsea coach Graham Potter, with nearly $243.6 million pounds of new signings to choose from, gave a first start to Mykhailo Mudryk but the Ukrainian was overrun down the right and replaced at halftime by debutant Noni Madueke who looked more solid.
Mykhailo Mudryk is subbed off to start the second half as Noni Madueke comes on in his place to make his Chelsea debut.
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 3, 2023
"We have a lot of new players. I’m sure in time we’ll know each other’s game more naturally," Madueke told Sky Sports.
Potter also welcomed the return of England wingbacks Reece James and Ben Chilwell plus Raheem Sterling from injury but Chelsea could not break through Fulham's well drilled defense.
Sterling's attempted header into the top corner in the dying minutes of the game was expertly saved by Leno.
"It’s a team game. We work on it every week," Fulham captain Tim Ream told Sky Sports. "Defend from the front and attack from back. It takes all 11 guys and the ones coming on."
'@FulhamFC captain @timream5 speaks after his heroics secure a point at Stamford Bridge for his club. #MyPLMorning | #FFC pic.twitter.com/510aNh7i7g
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 3, 2023
Fulham had a hatful of half chances to embarrass their rivals through former Chelsea forward Willian, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira but drew blanks.
Antonee Robinson was just too quick. But what a run by the left-back.
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 3, 2023
Mitrovic was VERY close to scoring from midfield.
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 3, 2023
Brazilian Willian said it was a special night for him after seven years playing for Chelsea. "We deserve a bit more but it’s hard to come here. They are a good team," he added.
(Reporting by Clare Lovell; Editing by Ken Ferris)
