In the match's ninth minute, Chelsea finally started to look a bit like themselves, with the team's center halves spurring the attack. David Luiz, getting his first Chelsea start, carried the ball into the final third, fending off multiple challenges, before playing wide right to Branislav Ivanovic. When the ball was brought back in from the right, it was John Terry who took the play back into the attacking third, eventually giving up the ball before proceeding into the penalty area. There he was eventually targeted by Ivanovic, heading a ball down that was eventually cleared. A second cross for Terry was less precise, allowing Aaron Hughes to clear.
Fulham FC Vs. Chelsea FC: Blues Exhibit First Spell Of Control
That run's allowed Chelsea to gain control of the the match after a relatively even first eight minutes, with Fulham's pressure having subsided as they try to maintain their shape in their own half. The Blues are now able to move the ball along their back line with ease, looking for entry routes into attack as Nicolas Anelka shows for the ball in the middle of the pitch.
When Fulham creates a turnover, they're attacking quickly, the last chance coming through Andy Johnson. The forward carried the ball into the final third and, though he had Damien Duff alone on the wing, elected to take a speculative shot from 20 yards out.
A block by John Terry kept Petr Cech from being threatened. Now in the 16th minute, Fulham and Chelsea remain even, 0-0.
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