Chelsea kicked off Xabi Alonso's first full season in charge with a thrilling 3-2 victory over west London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday, as a revamped forward line took center stage while lingering goalkeeping concerns resurfaced.
Joao Pedro needed just 31 seconds to put Chelsea ahead, converting a pass from Cole Palmer with a delicate finish over Fulham keeper Bernd Leno. It marked Chelsea's fastest goal since October 2016. Fulham responded through Josh King, who leveled matters in the 23rd minute with a tame, low shot that goalkeeper Robert Sanchez should arguably have kept out. Chelsea regained the lead before halftime when debutant Morgan Rogers, a club-record £117m arrival from Aston Villa, tapped home from close range.
Palmer, who had endured a difficult 18 months disrupted by injury and missed out on England's World Cup squad, added the third goal himself and looked increasingly like the player who dazzled during his debut season at Stamford Bridge. He also provided the assist for Joao Pedro, matching his entire Premier League assist total from last season in a single match.
Fulham fought back late, with Gonzalo Garcia heading home after Sanchez failed to properly deal with a shot from Timothy Castagne, setting up a tense finish that Chelsea managed to see through.
All three of Chelsea's new-look attacking trio - Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro - found the net, immediately signaling their attacking potential under Alonso. Rogers became the first Chelsea player to score on his Premier League debut since Christopher Nkunku in 2023, and the first to create five chances on debut since records began in 2003-04.
Speaking after the match, Palmer reflected on his summer break and renewed motivation.