Chelsea’s latest signing, Joao Felix, was sent off on his debut Premier League game. The striker was awarded a red card following a horrendous tackle on Fulham’s Kenny Tete before the hour mark at Craven Cottage.
Felix has carved out an unwanted piece of history: he becomes the first player to receive a red card on their Premier League debut since Federico Fazio for Tottenham against Manchester City in October 2014. Graham Potter’s Chelsea has been in shambles since the start of the league as the side crashed to a seventh defeat in their last 10 games in all competitions after another spluttering display.
Chelsea fell behind to a goal thanks to ex-Chelsea player Willian’s wonderful goal in the first half. However, the Blues got one back with a stunning strike from Chelsea’s centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly in the early moments of the second half.
Fulham was in luck as they got gifted an easy winner from Vinicius as Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a disaster while dealing with a cross.
Chelsea, who have a string of injured players, believed Felix could be the solution. And Felix had undoubtedly been impressive in his maiden Chelsea game, with his trick, flicks and clever movement receiving plaudits from pundits and football fans on Twitter alike. But then it all came crashing down.
In the 58th minute, with the ball bouncing loose into the path of Kenny Tete, Felix leapt into a challenge with his studs up and chopped down Fulham’s Kenny Tete.
Felix is one of the costliest loanees in Premier League history. And a three-game ban means he will now miss matches against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and the reverse fixture at home to Fulham. Looks like Chelsea’s disastrous form will continue.
