Chelsea Player Ratings: A Night of Disappointment at Craven Cottage

**Robert Sanchez (6/10):**
Sanchez delivered several commendable saves in an attempt to keep Chelsea competitive, but he was significantly undermined by the performance of the players ahead of him.

**Malo Gusto (6/10):**
Gusto succeeded in containing Fulham’s typically vibrant left flank for most of the match. However, his impact in attack diminished after Chelsea went down a man, and he was subsequently substituted for Acheampong.

**Trevoh Chalobah (5/10):**
Chalobah managed the defensive line effectively until he was outmaneuvered in the air by Jimenez, conceding the opening goal.

**Tosin Adarabioyo (6/10):**
Returning to Craven Cottage to a chorus of boos, Adarabioyo was perhaps Chelsea’s most composed defender. Nevertheless, he was one of three players booked for dissent following Cucurella’s red card.

**Marc Cucurella (1/10):**
Cucurella’s reckless defending drastically altered the course of the match. Instead of properly marking Wilson and directing him onto his weaker right foot, he committed a foul that warranted a red card.

**Moises Caicedo (5/10):**
Caicedo lost focus as he tried to engage in mind games with his opponents, prioritizing confrontation over his positional responsibilities.

**Andrey Santos (5/10):**
Santos squandered a prime opportunity to score from a corner that fortuitously struck his shoulder, appearing unaware of the situation. He was substituted for Hato after Cucurella’s dismissal.

**Enzo Fernandez (5/10):**
Fernandez contributed minimally to the midfield contest before being replaced by captain James for the final 25 minutes. He also received a yellow card for dissent after Cucurella’s sending off.

**Cole Palmer (6/10):**
Still regaining fitness following an injury, Palmer showed noticeable improvement in the second half, particularly during transitions. He completed the series of yellow cards for protesting Cucurella’s dismissal and was substituted for Pedro.

**Liam Delap (8/10):**
Delap faced the challenging task of maintaining possession for a side reduced to ten men. Although his initial shot was saved by Leno, he persevered and ultimately scored to equalize for Chelsea.

**Pedro Neto (5/10):**
Neto’s poorly executed corner inadvertently led to Delap’s equalizer, and he otherwise struggled to penetrate the Fulham defense throughout the match.

**Jorrel Hato (6/10):**
Hato was brought on for Santos at left-back following Cucurella’s red card and delivered one of his stronger performances since joining from Ajax.

**Reece James (6/10):**
James provided essential maturity and composure after replacing Fernandez.

**Josh Acheampong (5/10):**
Acheampong replaced Gusto just as Fulham intensified their play.

**Joao Pedro (5/10):**
Pedro came on for Palmer but found it challenging to make an impact in the game.

**Calum McFarlane (6/10):**
In his final match as interim manager, there was little McFarlane could do to alter the outcome. Cucurella’s lapse in judgment significantly cost Chelsea, although the team performed commendably despite being a player down.