Manager Enzo Maresca defended Reece James despite his role in the goal of Fulham against Chelsea and provided an update on Malo Gusto, who replaced the captain at half-time but had to be removed at the end of the first league victory of the blues.
Wideman James, whose minutes were carefully managed by Chelsea because of the history of injury from England, was surprisingly included in their starting team for the trip to Craven Cottage on Sunday, many expected it to be on the bench because he presented throughout their Europa League defeat against Legia Warsaw three days earlier.
Ryan Sessegnon has dispossessed James to set up Alex Iwobi’s strike for the opening of the 20th minute of Fulham, although beautiful strikes by Tyrique George and Pedro Neto – the latter in the 93rd minute – gave Chelsea their first championship victory since December 8.
Celebrate with our fans outside. 👏#CFC | #Fulche pic.twitter.com/1mwawcwfp
– Chelsea FC (@Chelseafc) April 20, 2025
Fulham vs Chelsea: Reece James’ plan
“I am very happy because he played 90 minutes two days ago and played 45 today,” said Maresca, calling the participation and physical form of “fantastic” James.
“This is an important time for us as a team because we can start thinking [playing] He every three days. It’s fantastic for us because he is our captain and a main player.
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“We conceded the first goal when we lost the ball – it can happen. The reason we changed was just because he played 90 minutes two days ago. It was the plan.”
Boss’s words after our great victory. 🎤#CFC | #Fulche pic.twitter.com/gun0xips4k
– Chelsea FC (@Chelseafc) April 20, 2025
Malo Gusto Muscle injury
The equalizer of the 83rd minute of the winger George arrived five minutes after the winger replaced Nicolas Jackson, but the joy of the first goal of the 19 -year -old league for the club was tempered by Gusto’s subsequent injury.
“It is unfortunately not good”, ” Mahresca Said about the right back, which missed eight games last season thanks to an injury. “It’s a muscle problem.
“Against Ipswich, he changed the game in the second half [when Chelsea recovered to draw 2-2 on April 13]. Today he has changed the game. Malu Gusto is important to us. »»
Levi’s reaction to our dramatic victory! #CFC | #Fulche pic.twitter.com/bmi5h4trts
– Chelsea FC (@Chelseafc) April 20, 2025
Table of the Premier League: Chelsea Fifth
Chelsea occupies the fifth and last qualification post of the Champions League in the painting With five games of their remaining season, although the sixth Nottingham forest, the sixth, is only behind them on the difference in goals and has a more game to play.
Manchester City, fourth, is a point above them, with Newcastle, third further ahead. Fulham remains ninth, a point behind Bournemouth in eighth place which could guarantee European qualification.
Chelsea is the next in action when they welcome Everton from 13th place on Saturday (12:30 p.m. BST), while Fulham is in Southampton relegated the same day (3:00 p.m.).
