Chelsea's goalscorers Pedro and Ruben Loftus-Cheek admitted some relief to overcome Fulham.

The Blues took the lead early on when Pedro slotted home from N'Golo Kante's pass and they could have had more in the first half had Sergio Rico not twice denied Olivier Giroud.

Fulham threatened to find an equaliser in the second half as Chelsea struggled for fluency, but substitute Loftus-Cheek made the win safe when he fired past Rico after an intricate passing move with Eden Hazard and Pedro.

Defeat for Fulham means they stay bottom of the table, having claimed only one point from a possible 24 away from home this season.

Loftus-Cheek said: "It was a tough game, Fulham have a new manager and are looking more solid. We needed that second goal, they looked dangerous at times. When I get the opportunity I just do my best."

Pedro added: "It's very important to win and get confidence again. I am very happy for the team and the three points. N'Golo Kante is a very important player for us, he made my goal."