The visitors to Stamford Bridge thought they had broken the deadlock on the 20-minute mark when Joshua King fired home following a swift counter. However, much to Fulham's frustrations, the goal was ruled out for a foul in the build-up after a VAR review.

Enzo Maresca's side took advantage of that reprieve deep into first-half stoppage time as Fernandez delivered a corner that was headed home by Joao Pedro.

And soon after the restart, the Blues were awarded a spot-kick, again following a VAR review, after a Chalobah cross struck the arm of Ryan Sessegnon. Fernandez stepped up and netted and, from then on, a Blues victory was never in doubt.

Early alteration

With Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer ruled out through injury, Maresca named an unchanged line-up.

Robert Sanchez started in goal; Malo Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Cucurella were the back four; Moises Caicedo and Fernandez were in midfield; and the attack consisted of Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto and Liam Delap.

Unfortunately, it wasn't long until a change was made to that side. In the tenth minute, soon after having a powerful shot on goal blocked, Delap pulled up as he chased down a long pass from Cucurella and immediately signaled he had an issue with his hamstring.

After some treatment, the striker was replaced by Tyrique George.

Fulham enjoyed the better chances during the opening exchanges; Joachim Andersen curled a shot wide and Alex Iwobi guided an attempt beyond Sanchez's post. However, in the 20th minute, the visitors found the back of the net.

A Chelsea attack broke down on the edge of the Fulham box, and the ball was played to Rodrigo Muniz. He tried to roll Chalobah but caught the Blues defender. Play continued and Sander Berge freed Joshua King, who broke forward, turned back inside Tosin and fired into the near post.

The travelling supporters erupted, but then came the VAR check. Referee Robert Jones was advised to go to the pitchside monitor and, on review, deemed that Muniz had fouled Chalobah. The goal was ruled out.

Finding a way through

Fulham continued to carry a threat as the half progressed and Muniz forced Sanchez into a fine reaction save, although the assistant referee belatedly raised his flag to signal the striker was offside.

It was in the final five minutes of the half, plus the nine that were added, that the Blues clicked into gear. Pedro Neto earned a corner that Tosin headed onto the roof of the net, before another set-piece resulted in George being denied from close range by Bernd Leno.

There was still time for one last corner. This one proved pivotal. Fernandez delivered the ball toward the far post and Joao Pedro rose highest to net his fifth goal in six games for the Blues.

Adding a second

With a lead established, the Blues started the second period with renewed vigour. We sustained attacks more effectively in the Fulham half and, soon after the restart, an attempted cross from Chalobah struck the arm of Ryan Sessegnon.

Referee Jones waved away appeals from players and Chelsea supporters across the stadium, but he was advised to review his decision by VAR and, after a lengthy stoppage, awarded a spot kick.

Fernandez stepped up and coolly converted from 12 yards. The Blues had breathing space.

Our second goal knocked some of the fight out of Fulham, and we began to consistently threaten Leno's goal.

The visiting stopper did well to deny Estevao Willian after the Brazilian teenager cut inside onto his left foot and drilled an effort toward the near post. He then reacted quickly to deny Joao Pedro, who moments later came inches away from connecting with a Pedro Neto cross.

With a little more than 20 minutes to play, Maresca turned to his bench for the second time as he introduced Jamie Gittens for Esteavo Willian. It was a switch that saw Pedro Neto move out to the right flank and our summer arrival play off the left.

Further alterations were made as the minutes ticked down. Reece James replaced Pedro Neto and Andrey Santos was introduced for George.

Fulham probed the Chelsea backline in search of a response, yet it was the Blues who appeared more likely to add to the score. Joao Pedro forced Leno into an excellent stop late on as he powered a volley toward goal. James then worked the German stopper with an attempt from distance.

There was a late piece of defending for Maresca's side to undertake, as a set-piece was headed toward the far corner by Andersen. It would've nestled in the net were it not for Joao Pedro, who had dropped back onto the post and was able to clear.

It proved to be the last significant moment of the contest, as the Blues were able to see out the final minutes and secure our first home victory of the campaign.

What it means...

Seven points from our opening three matches of the campaign and the first victory in front of the Blues faithful. Not a bad afternoon's work at all.

What comes next...

The Chelsea players selected by their countries will head off for international duty, while those not called up will enjoy some time off before our preparations for Brentford begin.

The teams

Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez (c); Estevao Willian (Gittens 68), Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto (James 81); Delap (George 14, Andrey Santos 81)
Chelsea substitutes: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Fofana, Hato, Essugo
Goalscorers: Joao Pedro 45+9, Fernandez 54
Booked: Caicedo 38

Fulham: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon (Robinson 67); Lukic, Berge; Castagne (Wilson 60), King (Smith Rowe 67), Iwobi (Traore 84); Muiz (Jimenez 59)Fulham substitutes: Lecomte, Cuenca, Wilson, Reed, Cairney,
Goalscorers: Iwobi 73
Booked: