Tony Pulis saw his Stoke City side race into a three goal lead within the first 40 minutes and then the Britannia side took their foot off the pedal and Fulham pulled a couple of goals back before The Potters held out for a crucial win.
Fulham looked set to spring a shock victory at Stamford Bridge against a subdued Chelsea side who defended at times in a comical manner most unlike their usual selves. Roy Hodgson’s Fulham side seemed set to collect all three points and were hoping to continue their fine run of form that has seen them go eight games unbeaten but Chelsea’s Didier Drogba leveled things for the home side.
Chelsea then went ahead when an unlucky own goal from Fulham defender Chris Smalling put Carlo Ancelotti’s Blues ahead.
A Manchester United side decimated by injuries were strangely subdued on their visit to Craven Cottage and found themselves unable to defend adequately and Danny Murphy and Bobby Zamora gave Fulham a two goal lead before Damien Duff added a third.
Roy Hodgson’s Fulham side were coming off the back of a fine win in Basle midweek and were good value for their win with their attacking play constantly causing a makeshift Manchester United back four troubles and the west London side did their near neighbours Chelsea a big favour for beating the reigning champions.