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Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 in Xabi Alonso debut

8/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 in Xabi Alonso’s managerial debut.
Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Morgan Rogers each scored, combining for five goal contributions.
Robert Sánchez’s errors led to both Fulham goals, drawing criticism of his reliability.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is a reported Chelsea target before the 1 September deadline.
Manchester City pursue Enzo Fernández, valued at £120 m, before the 1 September deadline.

History

Historical Context

After FIFA made two registration periods compulsory for the 2002-03 season, the Premier League opened its first summer window on 1 July 2002, closing 1 September. Manchester United’s £29 million purchase of Rio Ferdinand set a new fee record and altered the league hierarchy. Today’s September rush for Emiliano Martínez and Enzo Fernández echoes that inaugural impact.

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Story summary

Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 in Xabi Alonso’s managerial debut.
Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Morgan Rogers each scored, combining for five goal contributions.
Robert Sánchez’s errors led to both Fulham goals, drawing criticism of his reliability.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is a reported Chelsea target before the 1 September deadline.
Manchester City pursue Enzo Fernández, valued at £120 m, before the 1 September deadline.

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