Chelsea Survive Fulham Fightback to Secure 3-2 Win in Alonso’s Premier League Debut

Chelsea began the new Premier League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night, handing new manager Xabi Alonso a winning start in his first league game in charge.

The West London derby burst into life almost immediately, with João Pedro putting Chelsea ahead after just 31 seconds. Cole Palmer supplied the assist as the Brazilian forward raced through and calmly lifted the ball over Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Fulham responded in the 23rd minute when Josh King capitalised on a mistake by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez to level the contest.

Chelsea regained the lead four minutes before half-time through Morgan Rogers. The summer signing finished a well-worked move after excellent build-up play from new centre-back Maxence Lacroix, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage at the break.

Palmer then extended Chelsea’s lead shortly after the restart, finishing a flowing attack involving Rogers and João Pedro. The goal capped an impressive individual performance from Palmer, who also assisted Chelsea’s opener.

Fulham refused to surrender, however, and Gonzalo García pulled one back to make it 3-2, setting up a tense final period at Craven Cottage.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser, but Chelsea held on to claim all three points and give Alonso a perfect competitive debut.

Chelsea’s victory also highlighted both the promise and weaknesses of Alonso’s new side. Their attacking trio of Palmer, João Pedro and Rogers looked dangerous throughout, but defensive and goalkeeping errors allowed Fulham to remain in the contest.

For Alonso, the result provides an encouraging beginning to his Chelsea tenure, while Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa will be left frustrated after his side created enough opportunities to make the game even more difficult for the visitors.

The result gives Chelsea three points from their opening league fixture, while the performance suggests Alonso’s Chelsea could provide plenty of entertainment this season.