Mount ends Chelsea barren run, Leicester up to second
MASON Mount put Chelsea back on track with the late winner that sealed a vital 1-0 victory at 10-man Fulham, while Leicester moved up to second in the Premier League thanks to a 2-0 win over Southampton.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was under pressure after just one win and four defeats in their previous six matches that saw the Blues kick-off at Craven Cottage down in 10th.
But Chelsea got the break they needed when Fulham defender Antonee Robinson was sent off just before halftime for a rash challenge on Cesar Azpilicueta.
Lampard’s men laboured to make their numerical advantage count, but England midfielder Mount finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when he drilled home from 20 yards.
That was enough to seal Chelsea’s first league victory since they beat West Ham just before Christmas and climb up to seventh.
“Of course it feels good to get a win, it has not been easy with the league form recently and you have to break the duck,” Lampard said.
“I trust the quality of the players. There was a feeling we would get a goal because the pressure was constant. It was about staying patient with our passing and I think we did.”
Fulham remain in the relegation zone after their first defeat in six league games.
Next up for Chelsea is a trip to Leicester on Tuesday with the Foxes enjoying another successful season under Brendan Rodgers.
Leicester closed to within a point of Manchester United at the top ahead of the Red Devils’ blockbuster clash with champions Liverpool at Anfield yesterday.
One moment of magic from Maddison made the difference against Southampton as he smashed high into the roof of the net from a narrow angle on 37 minutes.
The midfielder also remembered to adhere to new Premier League guidelines on goal celebrations as he mimicked handshakes and high-fives at a distance.