Pedro Neto smashed in a 93rd-minute winner as Chelsea reignited their Champions League qualification hopes by beating rivals Fulham 2-1 with a dramatic late turnaround.

Chelsea were heading for a damaging defeat having been booed off at half-time by their travelling supporters after Alex Iwobi fired Fulham ahead from the edge of the box during the first half.

The pressure had been mounting on head coach Enzo Maresca after winning only once in their last four league games, but teenager Tyrique George levelled in the 83rd minute, just five minutes after replacing striker Nicolas Jackson.

Then came a potentially significant moment in Chelsea’s season as Neto controlled before swivelling in the box and sending an unstoppable drive high into the net to earn a crucial three points that lifts them into fifth, a point behind Manchester City.

Maresca had brought on Malo Gusto and Jadon Sancho for captain Reece James and Noni Madueke at half-time which helped Chelsea have more control in the second half although they were far from their best despite being at full strength.

Sancho tested Bernd Leno and Neto was denied with the visitors’ best chance of the half while Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson both looked woefully out-of-form.

Chelsea, though, who came back from two down against Ipswich last weekend, showed character again and will hope this win can be a springboard for the run-in.

Fulham’s hopes of qualifying for Europe have been dented with two defeats this week that leave them in ninth – a point behind eight-placed Bournemouth.

Maresca: Chelsea’s season can become very good with CL spot

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca said:

“Personally, the goal from Pedro (Neto) doesn’t change my view of the season. I said three or four days ago and I will repeat, Chelsea in the last two years have never been in the Champions League spots and this season we spent all season there.

“So today’s win doesn’t change my view. It’s already a good season and can become very good if we finish in the Champions League spots, no doubt.

“But for sure today was an important win because first of all it’s a derby, second it gives us the chance to be there. And probably it was the most difficult win and the reason why is because [Chelsea’s rivals for the Champions League places] all played yesterday.

“So it was a must-win game and I think after we conceded the goal is the reason why we struggled a bit more because for the players it became more difficult. In the second half we were much better.”

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