Enzo Maresca believes Fulham win was ‘for the fans’ as Chelsea boast major boost in race for Champions League

National World - LocalTV

Chelsea’s Champions League hopes remain alive after a dramatic late turnaround at Fulham injected belief into a season that has often teetered on the edge.  With pressure mounting, Enzo Maresca’s side delivered when it mattered, scoring twice in the final ten minutes to secure a vital away win and end a long winless run on the road.

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00:00Chelsea's Champions League hopes remain alive after a dramatic late turnaround at Fulham,

00:08injected belief into a season that has often teetered on the edge.

00:12With pressure mounting, Enzo Maresca's side delivered when it mattered, scoring twice

00:17in the final ten minutes to secure a vital away win and end a long, winless run on the

00:22road.

00:24The significance of the result was clear, Chelsea's celebration spilled onto the pitch

00:28as Pedro Neto's stoppage time winner ignited relief and elation.

00:33It was a goal taken with authority, a fierce left-footed strike buried into the bottom corner

00:39and one that could prove defining in their campaign to secure a top-four finish.

00:45For much of the game, however, Chelsea struggled.

00:48Their play was hesitant and disjointed and Fulham took full advantage.

00:52Alex Iwobi opened the scoring with a precise finish after Rhys James was caught out in

00:58possession.

00:59The substitutions made a difference and Chelsea gradually wrestled control back and academy

01:05graduate Tyreek George made his mark with a brilliant first-time strike to level the game.

01:10His calm finish marked his first Premier League goal and injected energy into the visitors'

01:15play.

01:16Then came the winner, a sweeping team move, was finished in style by Neto, whose sharp turn

01:22and thunderous strike gave Bernd Leno no chance.

01:25It was the kind of goal that symbolises belief, fight and quality.

01:29All the qualities Chelsea will need in abundance as the race for Champions League football intensifies.

01:35But I think it was a moment for the players, because they deserve to share that moment with

01:41the fans.

01:42So, this is the reason why I left the pitch immediately.

01:46But for sure, I think it was a nice moment for the players and for the fans to share that

01:53moment.

01:54It's important.

01:55While the performance wasn't flawless, the character shown in the closing stages offers

02:04Chelsea a platform.

02:06The challenge now is to build on this momentum and keep their European ambitions firmly within

02:12reach.

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