Xabi Alonso’s debut: Chelsea edge Fulham 3-2 in a high-octane opening-day win

On August 24, 2026 at Craven Cottage, Chelsea won 3-2 over Fulham in the Premier League opener. João Pedro scored after 31 seconds, Cole Palmer added a second, and debutant Morgan Rogers finished from a Maxence Lacroix cross before halftime. Fulham replied through Josh King (23´) and a Gonzalo Garcia header (54´) after a Robert Sánchez error, but Chelsea held on for three points.

Fulham 2-3 Chelsea - PLAYER RATINGS: Who got top marks from Blues' dazzling attacking trio? Which Cottagers star impressed? And how did Robert Sanchez fare? Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham as Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and three 8/10s shine but 4/10 flops Xabi Alonso's Chelsea off to winning start at Fulham The HinduGoal fest in London: Chelsea beat Fulham for Xabi Alonso’s first EPL win

The match was Xabi Alonso’s competitive debut as Chelsea manager after a 10th-place finish the previous season. He inherited a squad that had spent roughly £350 million on new signings, including record-breaking £117 million forward Morgan Rogers and £52 million defender Maxence Lacroix. Injuries kept Moisés Caicedo and Marco Palestra out, which Alonso described as “a few setbacks” during the week.

Why Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra are missing for Chelsea vs Fulham as Xabi Alonso explains

• Fastest opening-round goal in Premier League history: 31 seconds (João Pedro).

Mirror - UK

• Goal scorers: João Pedro, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer.

Heavy

• Sánchez’s errors led directly to both Fulham goals (league-high five errors in 2024-25, per BBC).

The Independent

• Player ratings: Cole Palmer 9/10, Morgan Rogers 8/10, Robert Sánchez 3/10.

Heavy

“They are going to be a very important part of the team… if they do great, then others will follow,” — Xabi Alonso. “It was a very professional performance,” — Xabi Alonso.

The Hindu

Chelsea confirmed the absences of Caicedo and Palestra as minor injuries and emphasized the positive reception for Enzo Fernández, despite boos from Fulham fans, while noting the need for defensive improvement.

Why Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra are missing for Chelsea vs Fulham as Xabi Alonso explains

• “They are going to be a very important part of the team…,” — Xabi Alonso

The Hindu

• “It was a very professional performance,” — Xabi Alonso

Fulham - Chelsea, live: Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa debut face to face in the Premier

• “When you think of the teams who have won the title…,” — Gary Neville

The Independent

• “I have really enjoyed his performance,” — Xabi Alonso

Chelsea player ratings as Xabi Alonso begins Premier League coaching career with win over Fulham

• “I’m very happy for Cole because I have really enjoyed seeing him playing with this dynamism…,” — Xabi Alonso

The Hindu

• “It was a difficult season with injuries and whatnot, but through the summer…,” — Cole Palmer

Heavy

Alonso’s immediate impact highlights his attacking philosophy of rapid transitions and a fluid front three. The win also exposes defensive frailties, especially in goalkeeping, that could affect Chelsea’s push for Champions League qualification.

The Guardian

Chelsea’s next fixture is an EFL Cup tie against Luton Town on August 27. In the league they face Brighton & Hove Albion on August 30, an early test of whether the defensive issues can be tightened while the front line continues to thrive.

The Hindu