Chelsea launched their latest Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory against their neighbors, Fulham. This result marks a significant milestone for the Blues, as it is their first opening-match win since the 2022-23 season. The encounter was particularly notable for the tactical battle between two former Real Madrid coaches, with Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso facing off against Fulham’s Alvaro Arbeloa, who suffered a defeat in his debut match since leaving Madrid last June.
The action began immediately, with Chelsea taking the lead just 31 seconds into the game. Joao Pedro capitalized on a precise pass from 24-year-old English forward Cole Palmer to open the scoring. Fulham responded before the halftime whistle, as teenage midfielder Josh King leveled the score with a powerful strike that beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The second half saw high-intensity play from both sides. Chelsea’s record signing, Morgan Rogers, marked his debut with a goal following an assist from fellow newcomer Maxence Lacroix. Fulham refused to back down, and new recruit Gonzalo Garcia, who recently joined from Real Madrid, found the back of the net to equalize once more, keeping Arbeloa’s side in contention for a point.
Ultimately, it was Cole Palmer who secured the win for Chelsea. In the closing stages, Palmer slotted the ball through the legs of Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno to seal a 3-2 victory. This dramatic finish ensured a successful start to Xabi Alonso’s new chapter in the Premier League, providing the Blues with a memorable three points to begin their season.
