Chelsea made a positive start to life under new manager Xabi Alonso as it defeated local rival Fulham 3-2 in its first match of the Premier League 2026-27 season.
The Blues’ performance was headlined by excellent performances from Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and big-money signing Morgan Rogers, all of whom found the scoresheet.
Pedro — who was controversially excluded from Brazil’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 — made the early breakthrough, putting Chelsea ahead in just over 30 seconds with a chip over Fulham keeper Bernd Leno.
Fulham, itself playing under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa for the first time, levelled just over 20 minutes later when midfielder Josh King broke into the penalty area and fired a snapshot through Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez.
Rogers restored the Blues’ lead just before half-time, getting on the end of a cutback from fellow new signing Maxence Lacroix to tap into an empty net.
Palmer extended the lead just after half-time, rolling the ball through Leno’s legs after being played through by Pedro.
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Fulham got back into the match thanks to Goncalo Garcia’s first goal at Craven Cottage. Garcia, who has moved to West London from Real Madrid, headed home from close range after Sanchez could only parry a shot from Timothy Castagne back out into the box.
However, it could not find an equaliser before full-time, giving Chelsea a winning start to the campaign. There was also time for Enzo Fernandez to come onto the pitch to a hostile reception following his role in Argentina’s elimination of England at the World Cup over the summer.
Chelsea next faces Luton Town in the EFL Cup on Thursday, August 27.
Published on Aug 25, 2026
