Fulham vs Chelsea: Alonso starts new era with thrilling 3–2 win

What the report says

Chelsea opened their Premier League campaign with a 3-2 away win over Fulham in west London, giving new manager Xabi Alonso a victory in his first competitive match in charge. The game began in dramatic fashion, with Chelsea scoring inside the first minute after Cole Palmer set up Joao Pedro, and the pace continued through a fast-moving first half and an end-to-end second period.

Fulham levelled through Josh King before Chelsea restored their lead via Morgan Rogers, one of the club’s new signings. Palmer then added a third early in the second half, highlighting his return to form after an injury-hit previous season. Fulham stayed in the contest when Gonzalo Garcia, making his league debut after joining from Real Madrid, headed in to make it 3-2, but Chelsea managed to see out the result.

The match also reflected broader changes at Stamford Bridge, with Alonso beginning a new era and several recent arrivals involved. The report noted that Chelsea’s record signing Rogers scored, while Alonso’s side showed attacking promise but also some defensive vulnerability. The result matters because it gives Chelsea an early lift under their new coach, while Fulham were left to rue missed chances, including a late opportunity for Antonee Robinson to equalise.