A late penalty save from Cech assured the Blues of a point in their west London derby against Fulham on Monday night. Fernando Torres, who was named in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI, was substituted with just under twenty minutes remaining.

It was a low-key start to clash as both sides took time to settle. In Chelsea's best chance of the opening stages Fernando Torres combined well with Ramires who teed up Frank Lampard for a shot from the edge of the box which was deflected just wide.

Fulham’s first effort on target came after 25 minutes as former Chelsea player Duff had a drive from just outside the box punched clear by Cech.

Lampard fired just over as the visitors slowly turned possession into chances. Next it was the turn of Torres who made space for a shot inside the box, but his effort was comfortably saved by Schwarzer in the home goal.

The reigning Premier League champions started the second-half intent on breaking the deadlock. The Chelsea number ‘9’ had the first effort on goal after the restart with a header marginally over the bar.

With just under 20 minutes remaining the Blues’ manager brought on Drogba for Torres. The Spaniard left the pitch to an excellent reception from the travelling away support who had made the short trip down the road to Craven Cottage.

Essien and Lampard both came close to grabbing a winner for Chelsea, but it was Fulham who were to haven the best chance with almost the last quick of the game.

Clint Dempsey was brought down by David Luiz in the box. The Fulham midfielder took the spot-kick himself, but his penalty was blocked by Cech with the rebound hooked over the bar by Dempsey.


- Match Stats: Fulham 0-0 Chelsea

Fulham: Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, David Luiz, Cole, Essien, Ramires, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka (Kalou, 65), Torres (Drogba, 71)

Chelsea: Schwarzer, Salcido, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird, Duff, Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey, A Johnson (Davies, 73), Dembélé

Booked: Ivanovic