Neto strikes late to keep Chelsea's Champions League hopes alive

LONDON :Pedro Neto scored in stoppage time as Chelsea fought back to beat neighbours Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Sunday and breathe life into their quest to secure a spot in next season's Champions League.

Chelsea moved up to fifth in the Premier League standings with 57 points, level with Nottingham Forest, who travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday. Fulham remained ninth on 48 points.

Asked if Chelsea could go on to finish in the top five, Neto said: "I think it could be a big part of the season for us. We showed character. To be honest, I have no words.

"It is not easy to spend all season in the top four and we were out before this game. The character the team showed, we now need to think about Everton... The belief has always been there, even in the bad moments."

Fulham shot out of the blocks and thought they had taken the lead when Andreas Pereira netted in the third minute, but the effort was chalked off for offside.

Chelsea responded well and created a handful of opportunities as their wide players sent in dangerous crosses, but the visitors' forwards were unable to convert those chances.

The home side went in front after 20 minutes when Chelsea captain Reece James cheaply gave away possession to Ryan Sessegnon, who squared for Alex Iwobi to fire a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

SANCHO LIVELY

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca brought on Malo Gusto and Jadon Sancho at halftime and the changes had an immediate effect, with Sancho looking lively on the left flank and Gusto testing Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno from distance.

Pedro Neto and Sancho drew further saves from Leno, but the visitors huffed and puffed for much of the second half to little effect as their attacking edge was blunted by Fulham's