Chelsea’s defensive injuries have continued with Colwill, Cucurella, Gusto and Tosin all set to start. Lavia is a doubt, so Caicedo and Fernandez could start in the deeper roles with four of Nkunku, Felix, Neto, Palmer, Jackson, Madueke and Sancho starting ahead of them.

Instead, this was must-view football for the many who have viewed Chelsea's place in the title race as indisputable. Enzo Maresca would not count himself among that group and on the evidence of the final eight minutes plus added time,

Chelsea couldn't hang on against Fulham and are now in danger of relinquishing second place in the Premier League standings.