Cole Palmer inspires Chelsea to winning start under Xabi Alonso

Chelsea began Xabi Alonso’s reign with a 3-2 victory at Fulham, with Cole Palmer scoring after Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers had put the visitors in control.

Alonso and Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa were both taking charge of their first Premier League matches, but Chelsea needed just 31 seconds to make an instant impact.

Levi Colwill returned a Fulham clearance into the penalty area and Palmer quickly picked out Joao Pedro, who showed composure to lift the ball over Bernd Leno.

The goal was the earliest scored by a team in the opening match of a Premier League season and gave Chelsea an immediate advantage.

Palmer almost doubled the lead soon afterwards, but his effort was comfortably dealt with by Leno. Fulham then began to threaten, and Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez could not keep out Josh King’s powerful strike in the 23rd minute.

The hosts continued to grow into the contest and appeared capable of turning the momentum in their favour. Gonzalo Garcia was denied a debut goal when Josh Acheampong made a crucial block to keep the score level.

Chelsea recovered their composure before the interval and restored their advantage four minutes before half-time. Maxence Lacroix delivered a cut-back to Morgan Rogers, with Chelsea’s record signing making no mistake as he sent a low shot into the net.

Palmer extended Chelsea’s lead four minutes into the second half.

Joao Pedro, who had supplied the assist for Chelsea’s first goal, returned the favour by sending Palmer clear. The England international remained calm under pressure and finished through Leno’s legs to make it 3-1.

Fulham responded again five minutes later. Sanchez could only parry Timothy Castagne’s effort into the path of Garcia, who headed the rebound into the net via the crossbar.

The home side pushed hard for an equaliser during the closing stages. King came close to scoring again, while Antonee Robinson’s late attempt to lob Sanchez bounced just wide of the target.

Chelsea survived Fulham’s pressure to secure their first opening-day Premier League victory since 2022.

Alonso was particularly pleased with the contribution of his attacking trio, Palmer, Joao Pedro and Rogers.

“They are going to be a very important part to build around them, to build the team with them,” Alonso said.

“They need to take responsibility. They need to lead the rest. They need to inspire the rest because if they do great, the other ones will follow.”

Palmer’s display was an especially positive sign after an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign.

“I’m very happy for Cole because I have really enjoyed seeing him playing with this dynamism, with this freedom, with this responsibility, helping the team, feeling important, and we need that for the team,” Alonso said.

“If Cole feels this way, we’ll have a better team, a better Chelsea.”

Arbeloa was disappointed that Fulham had lost but took encouragement from the way his side continued to attack after conceding so early.

“My players they did what they had to do,” Arbeloa said. “I can’t be happy because we lost this game. We wanted to win for our fans.

“But I think this is the way that we have to play. We’re going to play in this way no matter who is in front of us.”

Chelsea finished with 18 shots, six of them on target, as Alonso’s first competitive match in charge ended with an important victory.

The Blues now turn their attention to the EFL Cup, with Luton Town due to visit Stamford Bridge on Thursday.