Cole Palmer wasted no time in making his mark as Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea era started with a hard-fought Premier League victory at Fulham. The England international was instrumental throughout, setting up Joao Pedro’s early strike before netting what proved to be the winning goal in a lively contest.
The Blues also celebrated a debut league goal from Morgan Rogers, who finished off a fine assist from Maxence Lacroix on his first appearance. Fulham, however, showed plenty of fight as Josh King and Gonzalo Garcia both found the back of the net to keep the match competitive at Craven Cottage.
Despite some shaky moments, Chelsea managed to hold on and claim their first opening-day league win since the 2022-23 campaign, handing Alonso a positive start even if defensive issues remain evident.
Palmer drives Chelsea’s attacking threat
It took just 31 seconds for Chelsea to break the deadlock, as Palmer’s clever pass released Joao Pedro, who calmly finished to give the visitors an early advantage. Palmer continued to pull the strings with his sharp movement and inventive play throughout the first half.
His own goal came after the interval, as he showed great composure to slot the ball through Bernd Leno’s legs. That strike capped a display that highlighted just how dangerous Chelsea can be when Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Rogers link up in attack.
Rogers also introduced himself to Premier League football with a goal, converting Lacroix’s cutback with ease. It was another encouraging sign for Alonso, who saw his attacking plans come together in his first league match in charge.
There were glimpses of Alonso’s tactical approach, especially in the build-up to the second goal, where positional rotations caused Fulham constant problems. Yet those attacking positives were needed to mask some worrying defensive lapses.
Alonso left with defensive worries
Despite the win, Chelsea’s backline offered plenty of cause for concern. Levi Colwill was booked after a momentary loss of focus and then risked a second yellow by wrestling King to the ground while already on a caution.
Robert Sanchez also looked uncertain, making two poor passes that invited pressure and then allowing King’s equaliser to slip through at his near post. His errors kept Fulham in the game when Chelsea might have pulled clear.
Fulham’s second goal came from further defensive mistakes involving Colwill and Sanchez, leaving Chelsea exposed despite their attacking brilliance. Alonso will surely want to tighten things up at the back in the coming weeks.
In the end, Palmer and company’s quality in the final third proved enough to overcome those flaws and secure a valuable away win.
Fulham take encouragement from defeat
Fulham’s record in opening league games against London rivals now stands at four losses from four. Still, there were plenty of positives for Alvaro Arbeloa in his first Premier League outing as manager.
Gonzalo Garcia, a summer arrival from Real Madrid, made an immediate impact with his sharp movement and clinical finishing. His close-range goal gave Fulham fresh hope in a match that swung from end to end.
That strike also made Garcia the first Fulham player to score on his top-flight debut since Chris David did so against Crystal Palace in May 2014. It was a moment that offered Arbeloa something to build on despite the result.
King impresses as Fulham’s bright spark
Josh King stood out as Fulham’s most influential performer. The 19-year-old midfielder was a constant presence, driving his team forward and posing a regular threat from deep positions.
His equaliser came in the first half, a powerful effort that beat Sanchez at his near post. Later, he came within inches of completing a comeback, but his late shot drifted wide when a goal would have earned Fulham a share of the spoils.
For Arbeloa, King’s display was a clear highlight in an otherwise disappointing afternoon. Fulham may have fallen short against Chelsea, but the teenager’s performance suggests there is real promise in this squad.