Xabi Alonso has started his Premier League reign at Chelsea with three points after João Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer fired the Blues to an entertaining 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Chelsea needed only 32 seconds to score their first league goal under Alonso, and while Fulham twice made the contest uncomfortable, the visitors ultimately had enough attacking quality to secure the victory.
João Pedro gives Chelsea perfect start
Alonso could hardly have asked for a better beginning.
Just 32 seconds into the game, João Pedro found the net to put Chelsea 1-0 ahead and immediately settle the visitors.
Fulham responded in the 23rd minute through Josh King, with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez unable to prevent the equaliser.
However, Chelsea regained control before half-time.
Club-record summer signing Morgan Rogers scored his first competitive Chelsea goal on the stroke of the interval, finishing after an assist from defender Maxence Lacroix to send Alonso's side into the break 2-1 ahead.
Palmer shines as Chelsea extend lead
Cole Palmer was at the heart of Chelsea's best attacking football throughout the evening.
Shortly after the restart, he was rewarded with Chelsea's third goal to establish a two-goal advantage, with João Pedro providing the assist.
Pedro therefore finished the night with a goal and an assist as Chelsea's new-look attack showed early signs of clicking.
Fulham refused to disappear, though.
Summer signing Gonzalo García headed home to make it 3-2, with Sánchez again failing to convince in the Chelsea goal.
Chelsea survive late Fulham pressure
The final half-hour remained open, with opportunities arriving at both ends.
Alonso introduced Enzo Fernández from the bench, with the midfielder receiving a hostile reception from the Fulham supporters amid continued speculation linking him with Manchester City.
Chelsea thought they had finally killed the game when Pedro scored again late on, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
It ultimately did not matter.
Chelsea held on for a 3-2 victory, giving Alonso his first competitive win as manager and an encouraging start to a season in which expectations at Stamford Bridge have risen significantly.
Key Points
- João Pedro opened the scoring after only 32 seconds.
- Morgan Rogers scored his first competitive Chelsea goal.
- Cole Palmer impressed and scored Chelsea's third.
- Chelsea survived a late Fulham push to win 3-2 at Craven Cottage.
What’s Next?
Chelsea now turn their attention to Thursday's League Cup clash with Luton Town, where Alonso could rotate his squad after an intense opening-night derby. Fulham also have cup duty next, with Alvaro Arbeloa's side facing Wimbledon.
For Chelsea, the first three points are secured — but Alonso will also know the defensive mistakes that allowed Fulham back into the contest need addressing quickly.
After this opening performance, do you think Chelsea have enough to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title?
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