Xabi Alonso made a winning start to his competitive reign as Chelsea manager, guiding the Blues to an entertaining 3-2 victory over Fulham in a dramatic London derby at Craven Cottage.

The standout performer was Cole Palmer, who produced a decisive display with a goal and an assist. Chelsea needed just 31 seconds to take the lead, with Joao Pedro finishing a lightning-fast attack to stun the hosts.

Fulham responded after an error from Robert Sanchez gifted Josh King the chance to level the score. The momentum quickly swung back towards the visitors, however, as Morgan Rogers marked his competitive debut for Chelsea with a goal.

Cole Palmer then extended the Blues' advantage, putting Chelsea two goals clear and leaving Fulham with a mountain to climb. The hosts refused to give up, with Gonzalo Garcia pulling one back to set up a tense finish.

Despite late pressure, Fulham could not find an equaliser, meaning Alvaro Arbeloa was unable to mark his first Premier League game in charge with a victory.

2026-27, England - Premier League

Fulham - Chelsea 2:3 (1:2)
Goals: João Pedro, 1 (0:1); King J., 23 (1:1); Rogers M., 41 (1:2); Palmer Co., 49 (1:3); García G., 54 (2:3)

Fulham: Leno; Bassey; Cuenca J.; Castagne; Robinson A. (Rodrigo Muniz, 82); Berge (Sessegnon R., 73); King J.; Palacios (Kevin, 73); Bobb (Charles Sh., 67); García G.; Iwobi
Substitution: Charles Sh. (from 67); Sessegnon R. (from 73); Kevin (from 73); Rodrigo Muniz (from 82)
Bench: Lecomte; Tete K.; De Fougerolles; Reed H.; Smith Rowe
Yellow Cards: Bassey 76; Castagne 88

Chelsea: Sanchez Ro.; Lacroix M.; Colwill; Hato (Chavarría, 65); James R.; Gusto (Pedro Neto, 76); Acheampong J. K.; Lavia (Fernandez E., 65); Palmer Co. (Estêvão, 83); Rogers M. (Quenda, 82); João Pedro
Substitution: Chavarría (from 65); Fernandez E. (from 65); Pedro Neto (from 76); Quenda (from 82); Estêvão (from 83)
Bench: Penders; Barco; Bynoe-Gittens; Welbeck
Yellow Cards: Colwill 5; Lavia 12; James R. 75