LONDON : Chelsea began life under new coach Xabi Alonso with a thrilling 3-2 victory at west London rivals Fulham on Monday, with forwards Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all finding the net.
Chelsea made a flying start when Palmer set up Joao Pedro after just 31 seconds, with the Brazilian lifting the ball over goalkeeper Bernd Leno. It was the fastest goal scored in the opening round of a Premier League season in the competition’s 34-year history.
Fulham levelled in the 24th minute when Josh King beat Robert Sanchez at his near post, but Chelsea restored their lead four minutes before halftime.
New signing Maxence Lacroix advanced down the right before cutting the ball back for Rogers, Chelsea’s record signing at 117 million pounds ($159.47 million), who finished confidently.
Joao Pedro turned provider again early in the second half, holding off his marker before feeding Palmer, whose angled effort went through Leno’s legs to make it 3-1.
“It was a difficult season with injuries and whatnot but through the summer and since I’ve been back I’ve worked extra hard,” Palmer told Sky Sports.
Fulham reduced the deficit in the 54th minute when Gonzalo Garcia headed in after Sanchez had parried Timothy Castagne’s effort. Garcia was making his league debut following his move from Real Madrid.
The hosts had a chance to equalise in the 78th minute, but Antonee Robinson’s attempted chip over the advancing Sanchez drifted wide.
Chelsea held on to give Alonso a winning start in his first competitive match since replacing his predecessor at Stamford Bridge. The victory came at the expense of Fulham coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who was also making his Premier League managerial debut and had briefly succeeded Alonso as Real Madrid coach last season.
