Xabi Alonso's first competitive outing in charge of Chelsea produced an encouraging sign of what may lie ahead, as a rejuvenated attacking trio combined to deliver victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. While three points offered obvious satisfaction, it was the manner in which Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and record signing Morgan Rogers dovetailed that generated the greatest excitement among the travelling supporters.
Each of the three found the scoresheet on the opening day, a rare and encouraging feat that hinted at the potential chemistry Alonso is hoping to cultivate. Rogers, who arrived at Stamford Bridge for a club-record £117million fee, opened his account by arriving late into the box to convert a pull-back set up by fellow debutant Maxence Lacroix. The forward had spent the opening period settling into the side while Palmer and Joao Pedro combined fluidly, but his goal ensured he made an instant mark.
Palmer, meanwhile, answered questions about his sharpness following a quiet campaign last season by setting up a goal within 31 seconds of kickoff — matching his entire Premier League assist tally from the previous term in the blink of an eye. His movement and directness caused persistent problems for a Fulham side that struggled to contain the visitors' attacking spark.
Joao Pedro, who had controversially been left out of Brazil's squad by Carlo Ancelotti over the summer, looked refreshed and dangerous, continuing to build a reputation as a player capable of challenging for the Golden Boot this season.
Despite holding just 39 percent of possession, Chelsea looked most dangerous on the counter-attack, with the front three tearing forward with pace and purpose. It marked a departure from the more sluggish, possession-heavy approach that had frustrated fans in recent seasons, when wide players such as Alejandro Garnacho would often overplay down the flanks without end product.
Alonso's narrow front three operated within a 3-4-2-1 shape, a system reminiscent of the one Crystal Palace used to lift the FA Cup in 2025 under Oliver Glasner, when Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr operated centrally behind Jean-Philippe Mateta. With Joao Pedro offering more mobility than Mateta did in that system, there is belief that Chelsea's version could prove even more effective.
Speaking after the match, Alonso expressed satisfaction at seeing Palmer rediscover his best form. "I'm very happy for Cole," he said. "Because I have really enjoyed seeing him playing with this dynamism, with this freedom, this responsibility."
When asked whether he felt refreshed after missing out on last summer's World Cup, Palmer replied with a smile, "Did you not watch the game?" — a lighthearted but pointed response to those doubting his readiness.
Rogers, who has been close friends with Palmer since their days together in Manchester City's academy, spoke of the joy in playing alongside someone he has known for years. "To do it day in, day out, week in, week out at club level is just an honour," he said.
Alonso was quick to stress, however, that the responsibility for Chelsea's season cannot rest solely on the shoulders of his front three. "Build the team with them," he said when asked if his side would be structured entirely around the trio. "They need to take responsibility, they need to lead the rest, inspire the rest. Because if they do well, the others will follow."
On the opening day at least, that blueprint delivered exactly the kind of result and performance Chelsea will hope becomes the norm under their new manager.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.