Cole Palmer returned to top form on Monday night, helping Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea kick off the season with a 3-2 triumph over Fulham in a match that was as chaotic as it was entertaining. The Blues’ attacking unit—Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers—looked like the most lethal front three in the Premier League, each getting on the scoresheet in a game where offensive fireworks took centre stage and defensive responsibilities were largely an afterthought.
After a long spell on the sidelines due to injury and a summer break from England’s World Cup campaign, Palmer arrived at the match refreshed, confident and eager to make an impact. He not only found the net once, but also assisted another goal, delivering a performance that had eluded him for much of the previous season. When Sky Sports asked him how prepared he felt for the new campaign, his reply was a blunt, "Did you not watch the game?"—a clear indication of his belief in what he had just accomplished.
The opening moments set the tone. Within the first half‑minute, Palmer delivered a precise pass that set Joao Pedro up for the opening goal, a moment that instantly put Chelsea on the front foot. Pedro, who had been a surprising omission from Brazil’s World Cup squad, seized the opportunity and gave the home side an early lead that would prove decisive.
The trio’s chemistry was evident from the outset, and they never looked back. Morgan Rogers, making his debut for the club, added to the excitement just before the break. He timed a late run perfectly to meet a cross from Maxence Lacroix, slotting the ball home to make it 2-0. His contribution didn’t stop there; after the interval, Rogers flicked the ball forward, allowing Joao Pedro to release Palmer for his second goal of the night, further cementing the front three’s dominance.
Chelsea’s defensive side, however, showed signs of vulnerability. The surprise absence of Moises Caicedo could have been a relief, but goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s performance raised concerns.
Sanchez made two costly errors that allowed Fulham back into the contest. The first came when Josh King unleashed a powerful, yet savable, drive that slipped past Sanchez at the near post, equalising the score.
Later, a mis‑directed shot from Sanchez landed straight in the path of Goncalo Garcia, enabling Fulham to pull within a point at 3-2. Despite these setbacks, the match highlighted the attacking philosophy that Xabi Alonso seems intent on instilling.
In his first game as Chelsea manager, Alonso’s side displayed a willingness to press high, create chances, and rely on the creativity of their front line rather than sit back defensively. The result suggests that the club is ready to adopt an aggressive, forward‑focused style regardless of the opposition. The game also featured a number of noteworthy moments beyond the goals. At the 65th minute, Enzo Fernandez entered the fray to replace Romeo Lavia, only to be met with a chorus of boos from the crowd, a reaction tied to his controversial World Cup antics for Argentina.
Later, at the 78th minute, Antonee Robinson attempted a risky chip over Sanchez, but the ball drifted wide, squandering a chance to level the match. In the closing stages, Palmer suffered a minor injury, pulling up mid‑dribble and being substituted for Estevao, though his earlier contributions had already secured the win. Post‑match, both managers shared their perspectives.
Fulham’s boss, Alvaro Arbeloa, told Sky Sports that the project is still in its infancy, emphasizing the need for time but expressing confidence that the style of play they are developing will bring many victories. "It’s a new project. Time is something we coaches don’t have.
But if we continue to play in that way, we’re going to win a lot of games," he said, adding that he is proud of his players and committed to maintaining the same approach against any opponent. Alonso, on the other hand, focused on the broader picture rather than individual performances.
"It’s not about talking about individuals, their situations. It’s about understanding what it takes," he explained. He acknowledged that while the first goal could have been better executed, the team was still in the early stages of a process.
"It’s day one. And normally it’s easier to learn with three points," he added, underscoring the importance of taking the win as a foundation for future improvement. The match timeline offers a concise recap: - 1’: Lacroix’s header from his own half initiates the attack, leading to Palmer’s assist for Joao Pedro’s opening goal.
- 23’: Josh King’s powerful strike forces a save from Sanchez, equalising for Fulham. - 41’: Rogers makes a late run to the back post, meets Lacroix’s cross, and scores unmarked.
- 49’: After a defensive lapse by Calvin Bassey, Rogers flicks the ball to Joao Pedro, who sets up Palmer for his second goal. - 54’: Goncalo Garcia nets his debut goal after Sanchez spills a shot from Castagne.
- 65’: Enzo Fernandez receives a hostile reception from the crowd upon entering. - 78’: Robinson’s attempted chip over Sanchez goes wide, missing a chance to equalise.
- 82’: Palmer is substituted after a minor injury. Overall, Chelsea’s electric front three proved decisive, delivering a performance that combined flair, efficiency and clinical finishing. While the defensive lapses and goalkeeper errors will need addressing, the victory offers a promising glimpse of the attacking identity that Xabi Alonso hopes to cultivate. If the team can tighten up at the back while maintaining this level of offensive potency, they could be poised for a strong campaign in the Premier League.