Alonso Starts Chelsea Reign With Victory Over Fulham

Xabi Alonso began his reign as Chelsea manager with a 3-2 Premier League victory over neigh-bours Fulham at Craven Cottage, with Cole Palmer scoring and providing an assist.
Palmer set up Joao Pedro for Chelsea’s opener after just 31 seconds before scoring what proved to be the winner with a composed finish through Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno’s legs.
The 24-year-old was central to Chelsea’s attacking display as Alonso secured a winning start in his first Premier League match as the club’s manager.
Chelsea’s record summer signing Morgan Rogers also marked his league debut with a goal, con-verting a cutback from Maxence Lacroix, another debutant.
Fulham responded through teenage midfielder Josh King, who levelled during the first half with a powerful shot that beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez at his near post.
King impressed throughout the match as the hosts continued to threaten Chelsea.
Gonzalo Garcia, a summer signing from Real Madrid, also got off the mark for Fulham when he headed in from close range to give Alvaro Arbeloa’s side hope of earning a point.
Chelsea, however, held firm to secure victory in an end-to-end contest.
The win was Chelsea’s first in their opening Premier League match since the 2022-23 season.