Cole Palmer delivered a decisive performance as Chelsea opened the Premier League season with a thrilling victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage with score 3-2, giving new manager Xabi Alonso a winning start in English football.
Chelsea struck almost immediately, taking the lead after just 31 seconds. Palmer created the opening with a clever touch that released Joao Pedro, who finished clinically to give the visitors the perfect start.
Fulham responded well and found an equaliser through 19-year-old midfielder Josh King. One of the home side’s standout performers, King drove forward before beating Robert Sanchez at the goalkeeper’s near post.
Chelsea regained control after the interval, with Palmer moving from creator to scorer. The 24-year-old found space inside the area and calmly sent his finish through Bernd Leno’s legs to restore the visitors’ advantage.
Morgan Rogers then added a third on his Premier League debut for Chelsea. The club’s record summer signing converted after fellow newcomer Maxence Lacroix supplied the cutback, underlining the attacking options available to Alonso.
Fulham refused to surrender, however, and summer signing Gonzalo Garcia gave the hosts renewed hope by heading home from close range. The former Real Madrid forward became the first Fulham player since Chris David in 2014 to score on his Premier League debut.
Chelsea survived the closing stages to secure their first victory in an opening league fixture since the 2022-23 campaign.
Palmer was at the centre of Chelsea’s best attacking work throughout the match. After a previous season disrupted by fatigue and injuries, his performance offered an immediate reminder of the influence he can have when fully fit. His combination with Joao Pedro and Rogers also suggested Alonso already possesses a potentially formidable attacking trio.
There were encouraging signs of the new manager’s tactical influence, particularly in Chelsea’s movement and positional rotations going forward. However, the match also exposed defensive problems that Alonso will need to address.
Levi Colwill picked up an early booking and later risked further punishment with a challenge on King, while Sanchez endured an uncomfortable evening. The goalkeeper made several poor decisions in possession and was also caught out at his near post for Fulham’s first goal.
Further defensive mistakes contributed to Garcia’s goal, although Chelsea’s attacking quality ultimately proved enough to compensate.
Fulham, meanwhile, suffered another disappointing result in a Premier League opening-day London derby, losing for the fourth time in as many such fixtures.
Despite the defeat, there were positive signs for new manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Garcia impressed with his movement and finishing, while King produced an energetic midfield display that repeatedly caused Chelsea problems.
King almost rescued a late point for Fulham but dragged his effort wide, allowing Chelsea to leave Craven Cottage with all three points and Alonso to celebrate a successful start to his Premier League career.