Chelsea move five points clear with 2-1 victory over Fulham

The visitors stunned Chelsea by taking the lead after four minutes when Zoltan Gera corverted from 12 yards.

Fulham then defended comfortably as Chelsea struggled to make an impact but Didier Drogba finally got the equaliser when he headed in from Branislav Ivanovic’s cross at the far post.

And an unfortunate own goal by Chris Smalling handed Chelsea a victory that had looked unlikely for long spells. Smallings touched in a rebound from Daniel Sturridge shot.

For much of the match Chelsea looked short of ideas as Fulham produced a performance that was full of commitment and excellent defending.

Even without the injured Hede Brangeland, Fulham looked comfortable at the back, until John Pantsil went off injured, who seemed to get the better of Drogba all night.

If ever there was a perfect time for Fulham to play Chelsea, perhaps this was it with the Blues having won only one of their five games in December going into the match.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti said after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Birmingham that his side were lacking confidence and that was certainly in evidence.

But in the end Drogba helped give Chelsea the perfect farewell present before he heads off to the Africa Cup of Nations.