Fulham 1 – 2 Chelsea: the Blues take the lead at halftime

João Pedro and Morgan Rogers kick off the Xabi Alonso era at Chelsea in style

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Fulham 1 – 2 Chelsea: the Blues take the lead at halftime

24.08.26 FT English Premier League

Fulham

Chelsea

Chelsea head into halftime ahead at Fulham, powered by João Pedro and their record signing Morgan Rogers.

Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea couldn’t have asked for a better start to their campaign. For their Premier League opener, the London club leads 2-1 away at Fulham at the break. The Blues wasted no time, opening the scoring just 31 seconds in. Set up by Cole Palmer, João Pedro clinically finished past Bernd Leno to give his new manager the perfect start.

We lead at the break. 👊#CFC | #FULCHE pic.twitter.com/LoUWK2up1h
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 24, 2026

João Pedro strikes after just 31 seconds

Having recently extended his contract until 2034, the Brazilian striker immediately justified his status as Chelsea’s undisputed number 9. His goal, scored after only 31 seconds, is now the fastest ever recorded on the opening day of a Premier League season.

However, Chelsea did not have it all their own way in the first half. Growing in confidence after conceding, the Cottagers equalized in the 23rd minute through Josh King. Linking up with Timothy Castagne, the young midfielder broke into the box and fired home at the near post. Robert Sánchez failed to deal with the effort, allowing Fulham back into the contest.

Morgan Rogers scores on his Chelsea debut

The Blues regained the advantage in the 41st minute thanks to two new faces. After a move initiated by Cole Palmer, Maxence Lacroix beat his man with a slick turn before cutting the ball back to Morgan Rogers. The Englishman coolly slotted home, netting his first goal on his official debut for his new club.

Having become Chelsea’s most expensive signing ever this summer, Rogers is already starting to justify the club’s hefty investment. Lacroix also made his mark, providing the assist for the crucial goal.

A still fragile Blues defense

For now, Xabi Alonso is getting the better of his Spanish counterpart Álvaro Arbeloa. Still, Chelsea will need to tighten up after the break. Fulham created several dangerous chances and regularly found space behind the Londoners’ backline. With just one goal separating the sides, this derby at Craven Cottage remains wide open.