Chelsea launched the Xabi Alonso era in spectacular fashion after Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all scored in a thrilling 3-2 Premier League victory over London rivals Fulham.
The victory gave Alonso a winning start to his first Premier League match as Chelsea head coach, while the club’s attacking trio immediately showed why they could become central to the team’s ambitions this seaso
According to Fabrizio Romano, he reported that Joao Pedro, Rogers and Palmer each found the net as Chelsea survived a late Fulham fightback to claim all three points.
Chelsea needed only 31 seconds to make their mark.Joao Pedro opened the scoring almost immediately after kick-off, converting an attack that was helped by Palmer.
The goal was the fastest scored in an opening-round Premier League match, giving Alonso’s side the perfect start to a new era.
Fulham responded through Josh King, preventing Chelsea from turning their early advantage into a comfortable lead.
The home side’s response ensured the match quickly developed into an open London derby rather than a one-sided contest.
Chelsea restored their advantage when Morgan Rogers scored on his first competitive appearance for the club.
The England international, who arrived from Aston Villa as Chelsea’s record signing, marked his debut with a goal, giving Alonso another reason to be pleased with his new-look attack.
Rogers’ goal was assisted by new signing Maxence Lacroix, adding another important contribution from a player brought in to strengthen Alonso’s squad.
Chelsea then extended their lead after the interval through Palmer.
The England international, returning after a difficult previous season affected by injury, finished a move involving Joao Pedro to make it 3-1.
The goal completed a particularly impressive individual contribution from Palmer, who had already helped create Joao Pedro’s opener.
Fulham refused to surrender.Gonzalo Garcia reduced the deficit to 3-2 on his league debut, setting up a tense final period as Chelsea came under pressure.
Fulham pushed for an equaliser and came close when Antonee Robinson missed an opportunity, but Chelsea held on to secure victory.
The result was particularly significant for Alonso, who was appointed to lead Chelsea into the new campaign after the club endured a disappointing 10th-place finish last season.
Rather than easing into his new job, Alonso immediately saw his attacking players deliver the kind of performance that could provide the foundation for his Chelsea project.
Joao Pedro was particularly influential from the beginning, while Palmer showed signs of returning to the form that has made him one of Chelsea’s most important players.
Rogers, meanwhile, could hardly have asked for a better introduction to the club after scoring on his debut.
Alonso praised the attacking trio after the match, identifying Joao Pedro, Rogers and Palmer as players who can become central to Chelsea’s future.
He was especially pleased with Palmer’s performance following the player’s injury problems.
The victory also provided Chelsea with a glimpse of the attacking football Alonso may want to establish.
The side finished with 18 shots, six of them on target, as Chelsea repeatedly created opportunities against their neighbours.
But despite the positive start, the match also exposed areas that Alonso will need to address.
Chelsea conceded twice after taking control of the game and were forced to withstand significant late pressure.
Injuries to Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra also added concern to an otherwise positive afternoon.
Fulham’s performance ensured that Chelsea could not simply celebrate their attacking display without considering their defensive vulnerabilities.
Coach Alvaro Arbeloa acknowledged his side’s early defensive mistake but praised their willingness to maintain their high-pressure approach against Chelsea.
For Chelsea, however, the most important message was clear.
Alonso has begun his reign with three points, three goals and an attacking trio that immediately announced itself.
Joao Pedro struck inside the opening minute. Rogers scored on his debut.
Palmer returned to the scoresheet and contributed an assist.
It was the kind of opening Chelsea supporters will hope can become the beginning of something much bigger.
The road ahead will be considerably harder, but Alonso could hardly have asked for a more convincing first Premier League night in charge.
