Chelsea begin Alonso era with thrilling win at Fulham

Chelsea made a winning start under manager Xabi Alonso as they edged past Fulham 3-2 in a lively Premier League contest at Craven Cottage.

Joao Pedro gave the visitors the perfect start after only 30 seconds, before Josh King levelled for Fulham. Morgan Rogers restored Chelsea’s advantage shortly before half-time, and Cole Palmer extended it early in the second half.

Gonzalo Garcia pulled one back for Fulham on his debut, but Chelsea held on to claim all three points in Alonso’s first league match in charge. The scoring summary listed King’s goal at 23 minutes, while the match account put the equaliser shortly after the 22nd minute. Garcia scored in the 54th minute, while Chelsea’s goals came from Joao Pedro after one minute, Rogers after 41 minutes and Palmer after 49 minutes.

Alonso handed a debut to Morgan Rogers, Chelsea’s club-record signing, while Fulham included former Real Madrid players Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios in their team for the first time. Both players had followed new manager Alvaro Arbeloa to Craven Cottage during the off-season.

Chelsea needed less than a minute to make their early pressure count. A mistake in possession allowed Palmer to send Joao Pedro through, and the forward showed excellent control before lifting the ball over Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Fulham responded positively and were not unsettled by the occasion. Their efforts were rewarded when King’s low shot found its way beneath Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to bring Arbeloa’s side level.

The visitors regained the lead five minutes before the interval. Palmer was again involved, finding Maxence Lacroix, who moved beyond one challenge before supplying Rogers. The debutant met the pass first time and sent his finish into the net.

Chelsea carried their momentum into the second half. A quick counter-attack ended with Joao Pedro laying the ball back for Palmer, who fired through Leno’s legs from a tight angle to put Alonso’s side 3-1 ahead.

Fulham reduced the deficit in the 54th minute when Garcia scored on his debut. Timothy Castagne’s initial effort was saved, but Garcia reacted quickest to head home the rebound and give the hosts renewed hope.

Alonso then made a double substitution. New signing Pep Chavarria replaced Jorrel Hato, while Romeo Lavia made way for Enzo Fernandez. Fernandez was met by boos from sections of the Chelsea support when he came on.

Joao Pedro appeared to have scored again late in the second half, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Chelsea were therefore restricted to three goals, although those were enough to secure a narrow victory away from home.

Fulham’s next three league fixtures are away to Sunderland, at home to Crystal Palace and away to Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea will host Brighton & Hove Albion next, before travelling to Arsenal and then welcoming Hull City.