The energy with which Chelsea started the second half seemed to have dissipated by the 58th minute. Then, Fulham was able to string together passes, and when Carlos Salcido sent a ball through the right-center channel for Clint Dempsey, David Luiz had to resort to a dangerous, in-box sliding challenge to break up the play. It was a well executed challenge that never looked a penalty, but it still spoke the a change in the direction the pitch was slanted. Fulham had come into the second half.
Fulham FC Vs. Chelsea FC: Blues’ Energy Fades As Second Half Evens Out
When Chelsea gained possession two minutes later, much of their impetus was done. A pass blocked by Danny Murphy. A cross blocked by Chris Baird. Fulham was able to establish their defensive shape, and when Chelsea was unable to break through it was they did in the opening parts of the period, Ramires sent a speculative pass through to Mark Schwarzer. The `keeper swallowed up the ball and sent Fulham building another attack.
Now almost 20 minutes into the second half, the hope that Chelsea would play as their former selves has started to fade. The second half is starting to look like the first, with Fulham and Chelsea still tied, 0-0.
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