GistReel
Cole Palmer provided the spark as Chelsea began Xabi Alonso’s Premier League reign with a 3-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The England international was directly involved in two of Chelsea’s three goals, setting up Joao Pedro for the opener before scoring the decisive goal himself in an entertaining London derby.
Chelsea make flying start under Alonso
Chelsea needed only 31 seconds to break the deadlock. Palmer created space before supplying Joao Pedro, who finished to give the visitors an ideal start.
Fulham responded strongly, with teenage midfielder Josh King proving a constant threat. His impressive first-half performance was rewarded when he fired a powerful effort past Robert Sanchez at his near post to bring the hosts level.
Chelsea regained the advantage before half-time through Morgan Rogers. The summer signing, making his Premier League debut for the Blues, converted a cutback from Maxence Lacroix to restore the visitors’ lead.
Palmer then produced the moment that ultimately decided the contest. The 24-year-old kept his composure inside the penalty area and finished through Bernd Leno’s legs to put Chelsea 3-1 ahead just minutes into the second half.
Fulham fight back but Chelsea hold on
Alvaro Arbeloa’s side refused to surrender and continued to cause problems for Chelsea.
Gonzalo Garcia, another summer arrival from Real Madrid, reduced the deficit when he headed home from close range, setting up a tense finish at Craven Cottage.
Fulham pushed for an equaliser but Chelsea managed to withstand the pressure and secure all three points.
The result gives Alonso an encouraging start to his first Premier League campaign as Chelsea manager, although the performance also exposed areas that will require attention.
For Arbeloa, there were positives despite the defeat, particularly the performances of King and Garcia.
Chelsea’s victory also ended their wait for an opening-day league win, having last achieved that feat in the 2022-23 season.