Cole Palmer stole the show as Xabi Alonso began his reign as Chelsea manager with a thrilling Premier League victory over London neighbours Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The 24-year-old delivered a superb performance, setting up Joao Pedro for Chelsea’s opener just 31 seconds into the match before scoring the decisive goal with a composed finish through Bernd Leno’s legs.
Palmer was outstanding throughout, while Chelsea’s record summer signing Morgan Rogers also marked his Premier League debut for the club with a goal from a cutback by fellow debutant Maxence Lacroix.
However, Fulham ensured Alonso’s first Premier League match as Chelsea boss was far from comfortable.
Teenage midfielder Josh King, who impressed throughout the encounter, levelled for the hosts in the first half with a powerful shot that beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez at his near post.
Gonzalo Garcia, another summer signing from Real Madrid, then put Fulham ahead when he headed home from close range, giving Alvaro Arbeloa’s side hope of securing a point in an entertaining end-to-end contest.
Chelsea, however, held firm to secure their first victory in the opening league match of a season since the 2022-23 campaign.
