More Blues for Benitez as his attack misfires
CHELSEA 0 vs FULHAM 0
EMBATTLED Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez bemoaned his side’s lack of cutting edge last night after drawing another blank in his second game in charge, against Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
Misfiring striker Fernando Torres, who has gone over 10 hours without a Premier League goal, wasted Chelsea’s best chance after a neat turn in the box, firing straight at Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
A draw in the west London derby leaves Benitez still searching for his first win as Blues boss while his second consecutive goalless draw was met with a chorus of jeers from the home crowd at the final whistle.
“The main thing is to put them under pressure and hopefully in the future we can play these passes in the final third more precise and we will have more chances,” said Benitez, whose side slipped seven points behind league leaders Manchester United.
“We will create the chances we have to with the talent we have up front but if you don’t link with them quickly the defenders have time to reorganise.
“Everybody here is disappointed at the end so we have to give credit to Fulham who worked very hard but these are the games you have to win and cannot lose.
“You cannot be satisfied when you cannot win these games.”
Fulham sat very deep at Stamford Bridge, frustrating the hosts. Brazilians David Luiz and Ramires fired way off target with speculative efforts in a quiet opening period.
Chelsea dominated possession and territory after the break but rarely cut through Fulham’s defence.
John Arne Riise nearly stole a point for Fulham when clear on the left after a swift counter attack, but his ferocious drive forced Peter Cech into a fine, point-winning save.