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Chelsea kicked off the new Premier League season with a thrilling 3-2 win over Fulham in the west London derby, giving new manager Xabi Alonso a successful start in his first competitive game in charge.
The Blues’ attacking trio of João Pedro, Morgan Rogers (on debut after a big-money move from Aston Villa), and Cole Palmer were on target in the end-to-end contest.
Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey were in action and played for 90 minutes for Fulham but could not help prevent a defeat on matchday 1.
Chelsea struck after just 31 seconds as Fulham’s defensive shape failed on a clearance; Palmer’s deft flick released Pedro, who lifted a calm dink over Bernd Leno.
Josh King equalised in the 23rd minute with a low drive from a tight angle that squirmed under Robert Sánchez at the near post.
But Chelsea regained the lead on 41 minutes through an unlikely source. New £52m centre-back Maxence Lacroix made an overlapping run, received from Palmer, drove past a weak challenge, drew Leno, and pulled the ball back for Rogers to finish from close range on his competitive debut.
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Early in the second half the front three combined again as Pedro exploited Fulham’s high line from inside his own half, surged forward, and found Palmer, who cheekily rolled the ball through Leno’s legs to make it 3-1 on 49 minutes.
Fulham immediately reduced the deficit just five minutes affer Palmer’s goal, after Colwill misjudged a long ball; Sánchez spilled Timothy Castagne’s shot; and debutant striker Gonzalo García headed home the rebound.
Fulham pushed for an equaliser and created several chances, but Chelsea managed the remainder of the game to secure the three points.
By James Agberebi
