'Terrific save' - Everton hero lauds Chelsea goalkeeper for denying Fulham's Aina a certain goal

Fulham are running out of games to save themselves from relegation after losing 2-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

Five players of Nigerian descent tasted action for the Cottagers, with Ola Aina, Josh Maja, Ademola Lookman and Tosin Adarabioyo all starting while Tottenham Hotspur academy product Josh Onomah was introduced off the bench in the 78th minute.

Chelsea had one goal to show for their efforts at the end of the first half, scored by Kai Havertz, and the Germany international sealed the win with his second of the game three minutes into the second half.

On the brink of half-time, Fulham came so close to grabbing an equaliser but Aina was denied by a world-class save from Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

A good hit by the Nigeria international from the edge of the box was creeping in towards the bottom left corner after taking a huge deflection off Reece James but Mendy had to readjust his position and made a save.

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman hailed the Senegal international for denying Aina what was almost a certain goal.

Speaking on Premier League Productions during the half-time break, Osman said : "At only one goal in it Fulham are still in this game, I think they've had more efforts despite Chelsea having the majority of possession but you know these moments can happen.

"Aina strikes it really well, gets it down quickly, that deflection makes it really difficult for the goalkeeper to save, and not only does he have a strong wrist, quick, agility to push it away from Bobby Reid as he comes in to tap it in.Terrific save."

Fulham could be relegated a week on Monday if they fail to beat Burnley in their next Premier League match as they trail the Clarets and Newcastle United by nine points, four matches to the end of the season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : fulhamfc.com