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Fulham vs. Chelsea: 3 things we learned from Blues 2-1 victory

Chelsea defeated Fulham on Sunday afternoon in the West London Derby, 2-1. The Blues claimed their second straight win in the Premier League. Maurizio Sarri’s side has put its Carabao Cup Final loss to Manchester City a week ago behind them.

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Sarri is now aiming for Champions League qualification as the Blues are two points behind fourth-place Manchester United.

Chelsea will return to Europa League action this week and will hope they can take their Premier League form into the competition. With a solid victory at Craven Cottage, here is what we learned from the Blues’ win.

No. 9 curse is over

It may be too early to proclaim Chelsea’s No. 9 curse is over, but striker Gonzalo Higuain is doing everything he can to end it.

The Argentine scored his third Premier League goal in five league appearances on Sunday.

Prior to Higuain’s arrival, nine players had worn the No. 9 shirt under the Roman Abramovich regime. It is claimed the shirt is cursed, but Higuain has so far got off to a good start.

Champions League qualification is possible

Chelsea have nine games left in the season and Champions League qualification is possible. Tottenham are tanking having gone winless in their last three league games.

The Blues will face off with two top six teams before the end of the season. They will travel to Anfield to play Liverpool before visiting Old Trafford against Manchester United. Both games are winnable if the Blues are on their game.

Just two points separate Chelsea from the top four and five from the top three.

Chelsea continue dominance over Fulham

Chelsea have not lost to Fulham since 2006. The Blues have thoroughly dominated their west London rivals.

The Blues are now 19 games unbeaten against Fulham with 11 of those fixtures ending in victory. Those games have tended to see goals scored as 14 have had two or more goals scored in them.

Sarri’s team have rebounded from their cup final failure and go into midweek against Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League in good form.

Are the Blues destined for a quarterfinal place in the tournament and a top-four Premier League finish?