MX23RW : Sunday, May 5 11:21:05| >> :120:7922:7922:
[monks data]
Fulham logo
Premier League
Mar 1, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Chelsea logo

1-3

Heitinga (74')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Schurrle (52', 65', 69')

Andre Schurrle scores hat-trick as Chelsea defeat Fulham

Andre Schurrle scores all three goals for Chelsea as they see off their West London neighbours Fulham to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Andre Schurrle scored a hat-trick for Chelsea as the league leaders blew away their West London neighbours Fulham to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Andre Schurrle of Chelsea celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Chelsea at Craven Cottage on March 1, 2014© Getty Images

Rockbottom Fulham began well and had an opening inside the first five minutes when Pajtim Kasami showed good strength to fend off Branislav Ivanovic before curling over a cross for Clint Dempsey, but the American couldn't get a good touch on the header.

Fernando Torres had Chelsea's first chance 10 minutes later when he charged down Maarten Stekelenburg's kick but couldn't beat the Dutch keeper from the loose ball.

Torres again tested Stekelenburg just before half time when his powerful half-volley from a narrow angle was tipped over the top.

Although they may have looked a little tired in the first half, Chelsea appeared much more like league leaders in the second as Schurrle inspired them to victory with a 17-minute hat-trick.

Chelsea's German striker Andre Schurrle celebrates scoring his third goal to complete his hattrick during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Chelsea at Craven Cottage in London on March 1, 2014© Getty Images

The German broke the deadlock seven minutes after half time by running onto Eden Hazard's pass and finishing coolly past Stekelenburg.

Hazard was again provider seven minutes later as he found the run of Schurrle, who once more proved deadly in front of goal.

His treble was completed in the 69th minute, this time collecting a Torres pass before tucking home.

Fulham scored a consolation goal five minutes later when John Heitinga prodded home after the visitors had failed to deal with a corner.

Chelsea now lead the way by four points because of Arsenal's defeat at Stoke City, while Fulham remain four points adrift of safety.

ID:141889: cacheID:141889:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4681:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Scott Parker of Fulham holds off Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Chelsea at Craven Cottage on March 1, 2014
Read Next:
Half-Time Report: Fulham holding Chelsea
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal36265588286083
2Manchester CityMan City35257387335482
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs341861067541360
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle351751378562256
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
8Chelsea34149116559651
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
10Bournemouth36139145263-1148
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves36137164960-1146
12Fulham36128165155-444
13Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton36129153849-1137
16Brentford3699185260-836
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3689194563-1829
18Luton TownLuton3668224978-2926
19Burnley3659223974-3524
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd36372635100-6516


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!