Premier League sack race: Frank Lampard odds cut despite victory | Fulham 0-1 Chelsea

Just a fixture shy of the season's halfway stage, the Blues now sit seventh, three points adrift of the top four, and seven behind leaders Manchester United having played at least one game more than all of the sides above them.

Heading into this west London derby having won only once in six league matches, Chelsea were gifted the perfect opportunity to end that poor run when Fulham's Antonee Robinson was sent off for a reckless challenge on Cesar Azpilicueta late in the first half.

But aside from the odd half-chance, and despite a summer outlay of more £200m on attacking players, Lampard's men were toothless in front of goal with only a lucky ricochet handing Mason Mount the opportunity to rifle home a 78th-minute winner.

Premier League sack race odds

• Chris Wilder - 7/4
• Frank Lampard - 5/2
• Steve Bruce - 3/1

Click for the full Sky Bet market

Odds correct at 19:38 GMT (16/01/20)

This kind of display is unlikely to see speculation over the appointment of former PSG and Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel - who along with ex-Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has been strongly linked with Stamford Bridge - as Lampard's possible successor dissipate.

In all likelihood it was the nature of the performance rather than the result itself that caused Lampard to be backed in from his 11/4 price ahead of Saturday's action.

Perhaps more interestingly, the former England captain's shortened odds is among the reasons that Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, though still top of the betting, has drifted from 4/5 to 7/4.

Chelsea face a difficult trip to top-four rivals Leicester on Tuesday, an encounter that it is not overdramatic to describe as potentially make or break for the club's legendary midfielder-turned-manager.

Match report & highlights: Fulham 0-1 Chelsea

Mason Mount scored the only goal to hand Chelsea a 1-0 victory over 10-man Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Frank Lampard’s side’s three-match winless run in the Premier League stretched back to before Christmas but they were able to capitalise on their numerical advantage when the 22-year-old drove past Alphonse Areola in the 78th minute.

The Cottagers had gone into the game unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches but were unable to hold onto a point, a challenge which was made much more difficult when wing-back Antonee Robinson was sent off for a diving tackle on Cesar Azpilicueta just before half-time.

The result moved Chelsea just one point behind Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham, while Fulham remain in the relegation zone.

The game's crucial incident came just before the half-time break, when the hosts were reduced to 10 men.

Robinson was immediately shown a red card for a flying tackle on Chelsea captain Azpilicueta. VAR quickly reviewed the decision but agreed with the referee, with Robinson having both feet off the ground.

At the start of the second half, Chelsea looked to capitalise on their numerical advantage and press forward as Fulham were forced back into their own third. However, the home side dug in and were able to make blocks and key challenges to deny the visitors any clear-cut opportunities.

The Cottagers had their own chance to break when Ola Aina ran down the wing before cutting into the middle to get his shot away from outside the area but his effort went over the bar.

Chelsea eventually benefited from their man-advantage and were able to find a way through the resolute Fulham defence when the ball fell to Mount in the area, who fired it past Areola to break the deadlock for Lampard’s men.

Ben Chilwell sent in a cross from the left and Areola decided to palm it away but instead sent it back into play, where it fell to the England international who drove low and into the back of the net to secure all three points.

Follow Sporting Life on social - find us on Facebook here or tweet @SportingLifeFC

Related football content

• Transfer window: Done deals
• Transfer window: Latest updates
• Latest football previews and tips
• Sporting Life App: Android & iOS

Responsible gambling

We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.

Further support and information can be found at GamCare and gamblingtherapy.org.