Chelsea opened the Premier League season with a 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday, marking Xabi Alonso’s debut as manager with a nervy but effective performance at Craven Cottage.
The hosts were behind within seconds. Cole Palmer, showing early signs of the form that deserted him through injury last season, slipped a pass to João Pedro after just 31 seconds. The Brazilian striker lifted the ball over goalkeeper Bernd Leno with a deft touch to give Chelsea the lead.
Fulham levelled in the 24th minute through Josh King, who finished low into the near corner past Robert Sánchez. But Chelsea restored their advantage before half-time when centre-back Maxence Lacroix drove forward down the right and found Morgan Rogers, who tapped in with ease. Rogers joined Chelsea in a club-record deal worth £117 million ($159 million).
Palmer added a third four minutes into the second half, slotting through Leno’s legs after a return pass from João Pedro.
Fulham gave themselves a chance when Gonzalo García, making his league debut for the club after joining from Real Madrid, headed in from a Sánchez rebound in the 54th minute. Enzo Fernández, linked in recent weeks with a move to Manchester City, was met with loud jeers from Fulham supporters when he came on as a substitute midway through the second half. Anthony Robinson then missed a clear chance to equalise in the 78th minute, his shot drifting wide of an open goal after it had looped over the advancing Sánchez.
Chelsea held on to take three points under their new manager at the start of what the club will hope is a more settled chapter.
