Willian keeps Chelsea promise after Fulham goal as Potter left visibly stunned

12 January 2023 , 20:57

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Willian didn't celebrate against his former side

Willian has made his mark in the west London derby - scoring against his former side Chelsea - but kept to his word.

The Fulham star, who returned to the capital after a forgettable spell at Arsenal, has helped the Cottagers punch well above expectations this term. They are currently the best performing outfit in the west of the capital and took the lead against the Blues.

Willian needed 25 minutes to break the deadlock as their winger cut inside before firing in a shot, that was deflected, past Kepa Arrizabalaga. Immediately though the 34-year-old stood still as he lifted his arms apologetically having scored against his former employers.

Before the game he'd said: "If I have to score against them, I will score. I won’t celebrate, I have to respect them. I was there for 7 years. But I will still play my hardest against them & do my best for Fulham."

The strike was Willian's second of the season after his effort against Leeds. A win for Fulham, who are trying to retain their top flight status, can leapfrog Liverpool into sixth should they see off Chelsea. It would leave them four points off the top four.

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Willian's strike left Graham Potter looking for answers though as the under-fire boss was visibly surprised by the opening goal. Chelsea are in desperate need of a result having won just one of their last eight outings.

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It has seem them slip down the table as their top four hopes continue to fade. Joao Felix has been bought in from Atletico Madrid on loan in an effort to bolster Chelsea's forward ranks. They have struggled for goals this term and have thrown the Portuguese star straight into the starting XI.

Willian was allowed to leave Stamford Bridge on a free back in 2020 having moved to the Blues back in 2013. He had been a vital part of two title winning sides but wasn't offered a new deal and departed having made over 300 appearances for the club.

The Brazilian has previously confessed how he wanted to remain a Chelsea player but no agreement could be struck. He said: "I didn't leave the club with a fight, I left the doors open. Everyone knew the conditions, I really wanted to stay. We ended up not finding an agreement, I ended up asking for three years, Chelsea wanted to give two, and everyone knows this story. That's why I ended up leaving."

Samuel Meade