Fulham – Chelsea: the Blues kick off the Xabi Alonso era in wild fashion (2-3)

Chelsea launches its new era with a spectacular and hard-fought win at Craven Cottage

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Fulham – Chelsea: the Blues kick off the Xabi Alonso era in wild fashion (2-3)

24.08.26 FT English Premier League

Fulham

Chelsea

Chelsea clinched a thrilling derby win over Fulham, thanks to João Pedro, Morgan Rogers, and a dazzling Cole Palmer at Craven Cottage.

Xabi Alonso's Chelsea got their Premier League campaign off to a perfect start, securing victory on the pitch of Fulham after a truly wild derby (3-2). The Blues wasted no time, breaking the deadlock just 31 seconds in. Set up by Cole Palmer, João Pedro outpaced the defense and chipped the ball past Bernd Leno.

Starting the season with a win! ✊#CFC | #FULCHE pic.twitter.com/7qAdYSC569
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 24, 2026

Recently extended until 2034, the Brazilian netted the fastest goal ever scored on the opening day of a Premier League season. Fulham, however, hit back in the 23rd minute. After a one-two with Timothy Castagne, Josh King beat Robert Sánchez at the near post, with the Spanish keeper unable to do enough.

Morgan Rogers scores on his Chelsea debut

Chelsea regained the lead in the 41st minute, capping off a move started by Palmer. The number 10 picked out Maxence Lacroix in the box. The French defender skipped past his marker with a slick move before cutting back for Morgan Rogers. Chelsea's most expensive signing ever kept his composure and found the net on his official debut for the Blues.

Cole Palmer nets the decisive goal

The Blues stepped up the tempo again in the 49th minute. João Pedro shielded the ball expertly on the left side of the box before slipping Palmer in behind. The Englishman struck first time, slotting the ball through Leno's legs to make it 3-1. Having already provided the assist for the opener and played a role in the second goal, Palmer delivered a top-class performance.

The drama wasn't over yet. Just five minutes later, Castagne's shot was parried into a dangerous area by Sánchez, and Gonzalo García reacted quickest to head home on his Fulham debut. The Cottagers kept pushing to the final whistle, with Antonee Robinson notably missing a crucial chance to equalize in the 78th minute.

A debut win full of lessons

Chelsea ultimately held firm to hand Xabi Alonso his first official win as manager in London. The Blues leave Craven Cottage with three points and plenty of attacking positives, especially from the Palmer–João Pedro–Rogers trio.

However, this win doesn't erase all concerns. Robert Sánchez was involved in both goals conceded, and Chelsea's defense left too much space for Fulham. Xabi Alonso will need to address these defensive frailties quickly, but his new-look Chelsea has already shown some seriously promising attacking potential.