Dempsey delivers blow to Blues

Chelsea’s hopes of Champions League qualification have not quite been totally shot down, but they received a fairly hefty wounding courtesy of Texan Clint Dempsey last night.

Fourth spot was there for the taking for Chelsea, after Tottenham’s surprise loss to Norwich earlier yesterday, but they failed to account for Fulham’s aim of claiming West London bragging rights.

Frank Lampard had set Chelsea on their way with a penalty just before half-time, his 150th goal in the Premier League, but they were undone by their failure to take their chances — and their inability to deal with their opponents’ pace.