Joao Pedro scores after 31 seconds as Chelsea beat Fulham in five-goal thriller

Chelsea began the Xabi Alonso era with a 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, with Joao Pedro scoring after just 31 seconds to set the tone in an eventful Premier League opener on Monday evening.

The result gave Chelsea manager Alonso his first win in charge and earned the Blues three points at the start of their league campaign. It was also Alvaro Arbeloa’s first Premier League defeat as Fulham manager.

Joao Pedro opened the scoring almost immediately after receiving a through ball from Cole Palmer. The Brazil international took the pass inside the penalty area before lifting a fine finish over the Fulham goalkeeper and into the net.

According to Opta, Joao Pedro’s goal came after 31 seconds, making it the fastest goal scored in the opening round of a Premier League season.

Fulham recovered from their disastrous start and levelled in the 23rd minute. Josh King collected a pass from Timothy Castagne inside the Chelsea penalty area before driving a powerful shot beyond the reach of Robert Sanchez.

The equaliser gave the hosts renewed momentum, but Chelsea regained the lead shortly before half-time.

The move began with another pass from Palmer, who found Maxence Lacroix. The defender advanced into the penalty area and delivered a cross towards the face of goal, where Morgan Rogers arrived to finish from close range in the 41st minute.

Chelsea extended their advantage four minutes after the restart. Joao Pedro played a penetrating pass into the path of Palmer, who moved into the area and struck a powerful shot that Fulham’s goalkeeper could not keep out.

Fulham responded quickly and reduced the deficit in the 54th minute through Gonzalo Garcia.

A Fulham player’s powerful effort was saved by Sanchez, but the ball rebounded into the path of Garcia, who reacted first and headed firmly into the Chelsea goal.

GOAL!Gonzalo Garcia heads home from close range to score his first for@FulhamFC, and they’re back in the game!#beINPLpic.twitter.com/w4rmOskhTF

The hosts pushed for an equaliser during the remaining stages, but Chelsea defended their lead and held on for a valuable victory in their first league match of the season.

The win marks a positive start for Alonso at Chelsea, while Fulham must regroup after being beaten despite recovering twice from a goal behind.

Online viewers were also invited to discuss the match and related news in the Kooora forums.