Poch denies Ferguson rumours as Palmer penalty sinks Fulham

Chelsea 1 Fulham 0

Mauricio Pochettino has denied Chelsea are in talks to sign Evan Ferguson from Brighton, but there is no doubt they could do with the young Irishman's goalscoring prowess, after yet another dismal display from their forward line.

Cole Palmer's winning goal against neighbours and fellow strugglers Fulham came from the penalty spot, and while very welcome, this victory appeared to be papering over the cracks that are obvious to any observer.

Apart from an uncharacteristically lively period after half-time, the Blues struggled to impose themselves, create or take clear-cut chances, and once again looked short of confidence and ideas.

Having lost to Middlesbrough on Tuesday in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, Chelsea needed a victory to win over those supporters who are beginning to turn against the team and current regime.

The fans ended the day singing the praises of a team that took all three points, but the performance was hardly convincing, and on another day they could have finished with fewer points and men, with Malo Gusto fortunate to escape a red card in the first half for the sort of studs-up challenge that has seen other players sent off in recent weeks.

Marco Silva, Fulham's manager, was flabbergasted VAR did not upgrade Gusto's yellow card for catching former Chelsea winger Willian with an ugly lunge shortly before half-time. “It was a mistake from the VAR, a clear red card,” he said, admitting that referee Anthony Taylor was probably unsighted. 

“It was difficult for him to see, so he gave yellow, but VAR should have overturned the decision. In the Premier League that would be a red card 9 times out of 10.” 

Pochettino had some sympathy, admitting Gusto was sent off for a