Cole Palmer provided the decisive spark as Xabi Alonso began his tenure as Chelsea manager with an entertaining Premier League win away to local rivals Fulham.
The 24-year-old was outstanding at Craven Cottage, creating Joao Pedro’s goal after only 31 seconds before later settling the contest with a calm low finish that slipped between Bernd Leno’s legs.
Palmer was a constant threat, while Alonso also had reason to celebrate Morgan Rogers’ league debut. Chelsea’s record signing of the summer scored from a pullback delivered by fellow newcomer Maxence Lacroix.
Fulham, though, made sure Alonso’s first experience of English top-flight management was anything but straightforward.
Josh King, the hosts’ teenage midfielder, impressed throughout and restored parity before the interval with a powerful effort that flew past Robert Sanchez at the goalkeeper’s near post.
Gonzalo Garcia, recruited from Real Madrid during the summer, then opened his Fulham account by heading home from close range. His goal gave Alvaro Arbeloa’s team renewed belief that they could claim a point in a match played at relentless pace.
Chelsea ultimately held on, securing their first victory in the opening league fixture of a season since the 2022-23 campaign.
