A high-altitude Chelsea lost to Fulham, their rivals, 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Rodrigo Muniz, a substitute, scored the game-winning goal in the 95th minute.
In addition to being Fulham’s first victory at Stamford Bridge since 1979, the victory hurt Chelsea’s chances of winning the championship as the hosts remain on 35 points, four points behind leaders Liverpool, who will host Leicester City later.
Cole Palmer gave Chelsea the lead after 16 minutes with a graceful goal as he dribbled past two players and slid the ball through Issa Diop’s legs into the bottom corner.
Chelsea appeared to be in command. Palmer had two more efforts on goal before Marc Cucurella’s diving header forced Fulham keeper Bernd Leno to make a quick save.
Early in the second half, he also deflected a rocket from captain Enzo Fernandez.
As Chelsea stayed back to preserve their lead, Fulham, who haven’t scored in the league since 2011, displayed newfound vigour and resolve.
When Harry Wilson headed home from close range in the 82nd minute, it paid off.
Fulham moved up to eighth place with 28 points from 18 games after Muniz converted a pass from Sasa Lukic in the final seconds of the game.
The final statistics showed that they deserved the victory, with 26 touches in the opposition box compared to Chelsea’s 20, more than 52% possession, and 14 shots to the home team’s 12.
This was Chelsea’s first league loss since a 2-1 loss to Liverpool on October 20.
Arsenal, who are two points behind, could overtake them on Friday when they play lowly Ipswich Town.
