Chelsea opened the Premier League season with a 3-2 win at Fulham, as Xabi Alonso praised Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers as the foundation of his new-look attack.
Xabi Alonso could hardly have asked for a more encouraging Premier League debut as Chelsea manager. A 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage not only delivered three points, but also offered an early glimpse of the attacking identity the Spaniard wants to establish at Stamford Bridge.
Starting the season with a win! ✊#CFC | #FULCHE pic.twitter.com/7qAdYSC569
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 24, 2026
At the centre of Chelsea’s impressive performance was a new-look attacking trio of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. Alonso was quick to highlight the three forwards after the match, describing them as players Chelsea can build around as he attempts to transform a side that finished a disappointing 10th last season.
The Blues needed only 31 seconds to make their mark. Palmer’s clever pass released Joao Pedro, who finished quickly to give Chelsea the perfect start and immediately demonstrate the chemistry Alonso will be hoping develops between his attacking players.
Rogers then made his competitive debut for Chelsea in style. The club’s record signing from Aston Villa restored the visitors’ advantage in the 41st minute, adding another attacking dimension to a forward line that looked far more dynamic than Chelsea’s performances for much of last season.
Palmer Looks Ready to Lead Alonso’s Chelsea
Perhaps the biggest positive for Alonso was the return of the best version of Cole Palmer.
After an injury-disrupted campaign, the England international looked confident, aggressive and willing to take responsibility. Joao Pedro returned the favour after the break, setting up Palmer to make it 3-1 with a composed angled finish.
Alonso believes that confidence could have a wider effect on Chelsea. “If Cole feels this way, we’ll have a better team, a better Chelsea,” the manager said, stressing that Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro must take responsibility and inspire the players around them.
⚽️🅰️@DiscoverASR | #CFC | #FULCHE pic.twitter.com/atnoSWepX5
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 25, 2026
Chelsea eventually had to withstand a late Fulham fightback, with Josh King and Gonzalo Garcia keeping the hosts within touching distance. However, the statistics reflected the visitors’ attacking intent: Chelsea registered 18 shots, with six on target, as Alonso’s side produced the kind of attacking threat supporters will hope becomes a regular feature.
The result also provided an intriguing contrast between the two new Premier League managers.
Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, a former teammate of Alonso at Liverpool and with Spain, was disappointed by the defeat but remained committed to his aggressive approach. Chelsea, meanwhile, left Craven Cottage with exactly what Alonso wanted: a winning start and evidence that his attacking blueprint can work.
For Chelsea, the biggest takeaway may be that Alonso already appears to have the core of his attack in place. Palmer provides creativity and leadership, Joao Pedro brings movement and finishing, while Rogers adds power and directness.
If the trio can maintain this level and develop their understanding, they could become the defining feature of Alonso’s first season in charge, and perhaps the foundation of Chelsea’s attempt to return to the Premier League’s elite.
