Calvin Bassey disappointed as Fulham lose 3-2 to Chelsea

Calvin Bassey says Fulham must build on their battling performance after Chelsea edged a five-goal Premier League? [No, competition not specified] start to the season with a 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

Chelsea took control almost immediately, with Joao Pedro scoring after only 32 seconds. The visitors’ rapid opening put Fulham on the back foot, but the home side recovered well and worked their way back into the contest.

Joshua King restored parity for Fulham in the 23rd minute with an impressive strike, giving the hosts renewed momentum after Chelsea’s early breakthrough.

Fulham’s response ensured the match remained competitive, but Chelsea regained their advantage shortly before half-time. Morgan Rogers, making his debut, converted from close range four minutes before the interval to send the visitors into the break with a 2-1 lead.

Chelsea strengthened their position four minutes after the restart when Cole Palmer added a third. His goal gave the visitors a two-goal cushion and appeared to put them firmly in control of the match.

Fulham did not surrender, however. Gonzalo Garcia reduced the deficit in the 54th minute, setting up a tense final period at Craven Cottage.

The hosts continued to search for an equaliser during the closing stages and pressed for a route back into the game. Chelsea held firm, though, preventing Fulham from finding a fourth goal of the night and securing all three points before returning to Stamford Bridge.

Bassey captained Fulham and acknowledged the disappointment of beginning the new campaign with a defeat. The defender also highlighted the determination shown by his team-mates, who continued to compete after Chelsea had twice established a two-goal advantage.

“Good fight, unlucky we couldn’t take it back. We carry on building. Thanks for the support,” Bassey wrote on Instagram.

His comments reflected Fulham’s frustration at failing to claim at least a point from a match in which they twice came from behind. The Cottagers responded to Joao Pedro’s early goal through King, and later gave themselves another opportunity after Garcia’s second-half strike, but Chelsea’s defence kept them at bay in the closing minutes.

The result leaves Fulham looking to regroup after a narrow defeat, while Chelsea began the season with victory away from home. For Bassey and his team-mates, the immediate focus is on continuing to build after the fight they showed against their London rivals.

Fulham coach praises Bassey’s attitude and work ethic.

By Adeboye Amosu