MX23RW : Wednesday, May 15 04:23:49| >> :120:21945:21945:
[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
1Manchester CityMan City37277393336088
2Arsenal37275589286186
3Liverpool372310484414379
4Aston Villa37208976562068
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs371961271611063
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle361761379572257
7Chelsea361691173611257
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd36166145256-454
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham371410135971-1252
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton361212125458-448
11Bournemouth37139155365-1248
12Crystal Palace371210155258-646
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves37137175063-1346
14Fulham37128175159-844
15Everton37139153949-1040
16Brentford37109185461-739
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3789204766-1929
18Luton TownLuton3768235081-3126
RBurnley3759234076-3624
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd37372735101-6616


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!