Xabi Alonso made a winning start as Chelsea manager as debutant Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer inspired a thrilling 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Joao Pedro opened the scoring after only 31 seconds before Robert Sanchez’s mistake allowed Josh King to equalise. Rogers restored Chelsea’s lead late in the first half, while Palmer added a third shortly after the break.
Gonzalo Garcia capitalised on another Sanchez error to give Fulham hope, but Chelsea survived a frantic finish to secure all three points in the west London derby.
The result gave Alonso an encouraging start to his mission of rebuilding Chelsea following their disappointing 10th-place finish last season.
The former Real Madrid manager also has a personal point to prove after being dismissed by the Spanish giants in January, less than eight months after taking charge.
Monday’s encounter reunited Alonso with new Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
The pair played together for seven years at Liverpool and Real Madrid, while also representing Spain. In an unusual twist, Arbeloa was promoted from Real Madrid B to replace Alonso following his dismissal at the Bernabeu.
It was Alonso who claimed the early bragging rights as his adventurous 3-4-3 formation produced a dynamic attacking performance, despite leaving Chelsea vulnerable defensively.
Rogers started on the left of Chelsea’s front three, with Palmer operating from the right and Pedro leading the attack.
Rogers and Palmer, who are close friends, immediately showed signs of developing an exciting partnership that could prove crucial to Chelsea’s hopes of returning to the Champions League.
Palmer endured a difficult previous season and was omitted from England’s World Cup squad, but he played with renewed purpose at Craven Cottage.
Alonso’s reign could hardly have started better.
Levi Colwill’s header found Palmer, whose clever flick released Pedro. The forward timed his run perfectly before lifting a composed finish beyond Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno after just 31 seconds.
Chelsea’s early advantage disappeared in the 23rd minute following an error from Sanchez, who had produced several uncertain displays during the previous campaign.
King’s shot appeared saveable, but Sanchez allowed the ball to slip through his grasp and into the net.
Chelsea remained dangerous despite Fulham exposing gaps in Alonso’s attacking system. Leno produced an excellent save to deny Romeo Lavia before Rogers made it 2-1 in the 41st minute.
Rogers delivered an immediate return following his record-breaking £117m move from Aston Villa, which made him the most expensive British footballer in history.
Palmer began the move with an intelligent turn and pass to debutant defender Maxence Lacroix. The centre-back surged forward and delivered a low cross for Rogers, who finished clinically from 10 yards.
The England international celebrated by performing Palmer’s trademark “ice-cold” gesture, which Palmer adopted from his former Manchester City academy team-mate.
Palmer then got on the scoresheet four minutes after half-time.
Pedro held up the ball effectively, allowing Palmer to break into the penalty area and guide a low finish beyond Leno from a tight angle.
Fulham responded in the 54th minute after another costly mistake from Sanchez.
The Chelsea goalkeeper weakly parried Timothy Castagne’s shot into the path of Garcia, who headed home the rebound on his debut following his move from Real Madrid.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was greeted by loud boos from the home supporters when he came off the bench, following his provocative role in Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England.
Fulham pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing stages. King sent a powerful long-range effort narrowly wide before Antonee Robinson’s attempted lob over Sanchez also drifted past the post.
Chelsea ultimately held on, giving Alonso a valuable victory and an early indication of the attacking potential within his new team.
