Furious game on Boxing Day
First win in 45 years: DFB keeper shines in London
Updated 12/26/2024 – 6:24 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
For the first time in 45 years, Fulham won against their London neighbors Chelsea. A German national goalkeeper was a deciding factor.
Bernd Leno celebrated a historic victory with Fulham FC in the Premier League. On Boxing Day, on which professional football is traditionally played in England under the label “Boxing Day”, the team from west London won 2-1 (0-1) against city rivals Chelsea FC.
After shooting star Cole Palmer gave favorite Chelsea the lead at Stamford Bridge in the 16th minute, Fulham turned the game in their favor with late goals from Harry Wilson (82nd) and Rodrigo Muniz (90th +5).
The nine-time German national player Leno showed an appealing performance and saved his team’s victory with a strong save after a shot by Christopher Nkunku in stoppage time (90th +7). It was Fulham’s first away win against their prominent neighbors since 1979.
This means Fulham climbs to eighth place in the table and can continue to hope for a place in international business.
Leno’s national team colleague Niclas Füllkrug also had reason to be happy, as he secured a narrow victory with West Ham United. In the 1-0 win in Southampton, the German international striker prepared Jarrod Bowen’s winning goal (59th) with the back of his head. The “Hammers” have now been undefeated for four games.
Timo Werner and Tottenham Hotspur remain stuck in midfield after their 1-0 defeat at third-placed Nottingham Forest. The 28-year-old came on as a substitute for captain Heung-Min Son in the 64th minute, but did not make any notable appearances.