'Something happened before the game' - Chelsea boss Maurcio Pochettino says pre-match incident 'affected squad' before Fulham clash

Chelsea were not at their best, despite picking up three points and moving up to eighth in the Premier League rankings. Pochettino's team failed to generate much in the first half until a reckless challenge by Issa Diop earned them a penalty. Palmer converted the penalty kick, bringing his season total to nine goals in 17 league appearances. Pochettino confessed that the team were affected throughout the game because "something happened" prior to kickoff.

"The first half wasn't the first half that we planned," he told reporters. "Something happened before the game that I cannot explain. I think that it affected the team a little bit. We started the second half really good. I think we played really good football for 30 minutes and should score another goal or one or two and kill the game."

When pressed about the incident, he simply added: "No, no. Nothing. Nothing, sorry. It's nothing big. Small details that sometimes affect the team. You need to know that something affected the performance in my opinion but it's not important for you or our fans to know, sorry."

Chelsea may have been affected but still managed to pick up three points against their neighbours. The win means the Blues have won four Premier League home games on the bounce for the first time since July 2020.

The Blues will have some time to rest before facing Middlesbrough in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on January 23, as they attempt to overcome a 1-0 deficit.