Chelsea made a flying start to the Xabi Alonso era on Monday, beating London rivals Fulham 3-2 in an entertaining Premier League opener.
Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all scored as Chelsea survived a late Fulham fightback to claim three points at Craven Cottage.
The visitors needed just 31 seconds to take the lead. Palmer found Joao Pedro, who lifted the ball over Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno to register the fastest goal scored in the opening round of a Premier League season in the competition’s 34-year history.
Fulham responded in the 24th minute when Josh King beat Robert Sanchez at his near post, but Chelsea restored their advantage four minutes before half-time.
New signing Maxence Lacroix drove forward before cutting the ball back for Rogers, Chelsea’s £117 million record signing, who finished calmly to make it 2-1.
Palmer then struck again four minutes into the second half. Joao Pedro held up the ball before setting up the England midfielder, who fired through Leno’s legs to cap an impressive individual display.
“It was a difficult season with injuries and whatnot but through the summer and since I’ve been back I’ve worked extra hard,” Palmer told Sky Sports.
“Obviously with the injuries I’ve had to try and prevent them and work extra hard day in, day out. I know the talent I’ve got so I can put in performances like that.”
Fulham reduced the deficit in the 54th minute when Gonzalo Garcia headed home after Sanchez had parried Timothy Castagne’s effort.
The hosts pushed for an equaliser and came close in the 78th minute, but Antonee Robinson’s attempt to lob Sanchez drifted wide.
Chelsea held on to secure Alonso’s first competitive victory since taking charge at Stamford Bridge. The win came against Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, Alonso’s former Liverpool and Spain teammate, who was also making his Premier League managerial debut.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was booed by the home supporters after coming on as a second-half substitute amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester City.
Alonso will now look for greater defensive stability when injured midfielder Moises Caicedo and new full-back Marco Palestra return. Goalkeeper Sanchez could also face competition from Mike Penders, who has returned from a loan spell at sister club Racing Strasbourg.
