After three minutes, Frank Lampard got made to stretch too far from a Gudjohnson one-two and put the ball well wide in a windy Stamford Bridge, but shortly afterwards, Marcel Desailly fed Gudjohnsen midway inside the Fulham half, and he took the opportunity perfectly as he hit a magnificently well driven shot from 25 yards onto the post, which then rebounded into the goal.

Literally five minutes later, Eidur came close from a Gronkjaer cross, but put it wide.

20 minutes had passed and Chelsea were dominating. However, Sean Davies was fouled just outside of the penalty area and won himself a free-kick, which Mark Pembridge took advantage of, as the free-kick got deflected three times before going into the net.

The goal, which was against play, didn't put Chelsea off. Shortly after, Damien Duff came close but saw his shot get saved by Edwin van der Sar. But just two minutes later, Duff won the ball and had a shot from eight yards out, which Edwin van der Sar couldn't reach.

Gronkjaer then had a great chance, as he escaped down the wing and had a shot, only to be saved by the Fulham goalie. However, he was to be substituted at half time by Scott Parker, which meant a tactical change to a diamond shape in midfield.

The second half was, to be fair, unentertaining. Ranieri took Duff off, presumably to rest him for the Champions League match on Wednesday, with Joe Cole on 70 minutes. Cole immediately had a shot, which went straight at van der Sar. Fulham's best effort of the second half arrived courtesy of substitute Collins John ten minutes from time. But Marco Ambrosio was not tested.

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