Palmer Shines as Alonso’s Chelsea Edge Fulham 3-2 in Thrilling Opener

Chelsea kicked off their 2026–27 Premier League campaign with a pulse-pounding 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night, handing new manager Xabi Alonso a triumphant debut.

The Blues ignited the match after just 31 seconds. Cole Palmer intercepted a loose pass and slipped a perfect ball to João Pedro, who slotted home Chelsea’s fastest-ever opening-day goal. Fulham responded in the 23rd minute when Josh King capitalized on a goalkeeper error to level the score.

Chelsea’s £117 million debutant, Morgan Rogers, restored the lead before halftime, firing home from a Maxence Lacroix assist. Shortly after the break, Palmer turned from provider to goalscorer, converting a swift counter-attack to make it 3-1.

A fighting Fulham setup a tense finale when Gonzalo García tapped into an empty net in the 54th minute. Despite relentless late pressure from the hosts, Chelsea’s defense held firm to secure a vital three points on enemy territory.