Premiership: Chelsea on course for Europe

Chelsea 3 Fulham 2 (full-time)

Chelsea bucked their trend in London derbies to defeat Fulham and maintain their bid for a Champions League place.

Having taken just eight points from as many capital clashes prior to this contest, another night of frustration appeared in store until Mikael Forssell emerged from the bench to turn in a late winner.

Claudio Ranieri’s side, who began the evening 11 points adrift of fourth place and that lucrative spot in Europe’s premier club competition, were twice pegged back by goals from Louis Saha. Coaxed forward by John Collins, Fulham hauled themselves level again, however, with 17 minutes left.

Collins sought out Marlet’s pace down the left and the French international forward checked and picked out Saha, who beat a bizarre bicycle kick from Gallas to head in his second of the night.

Ranieri responded immediately by employing his third and final substitute, Mikael Forssell, in place of Gudjohnsen.

And Forssell continued his phenomenal record coming from the bench with his seventh goal from such a position in 12 games.

Fellow replacement Jesper Gronkjaer lifted the ball into the box and Forssell controlled on his chest and swept home with his right foot eight minutes from time.