Xabi Alonso
earned a 3-2 victory in his first official Premier League game as Chelsea
manager, with new-look attackers João Pedro, Morgan Rogers, and Cole Palmer
combining for all three goals.
Rogers scored on debut from Maxence Lacroix’s
cross before halftime, and Palmer added a goal and assist early in the second
half to lead 3-1.
Fulham pulled two back through Josh King and debutant Gonzalo García amid defensive errors, but Chelsea held firm against Alonso's old teammate Álvaro Arbeloa.
Palmer summed up his readiness post-match: “Did you watch the game? I am ready. I am hungry.”