Xabi Alonso’s Premier League Debut

Xabi Alonso’s first game in charge of Chelsea ended in a 3-2 victory over Fulham. The Spanish manager’s new-look side displayed a high-tempo attack, with record-buy Morgan Rogers scoring on his first appearance and fellow forwards Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro also finding the net.

Early Dominance and Record Signings

Chelsea opened the scoring just 31 seconds in when a clearance by Fulham defender Jorge Cuenca was headed back by Maxence Lacroix, who fed Cole Palmer for a clever flick-on. Palmer’s shot slipped past Fulham keeper Bernd Leno, giving the Blues a 1-0 lead. A minute later, Joao Pedro drove a clean ball over Leno into the empty net, extending the advantage to 2-0.

The club’s recent spending spree is evident: Morgan Rogers was signed for a British record fee of £117 million, while Maxence Lacroix joined for £52 million. Fulham, in contrast, matched their own record with a £34 million move for Gonzalo Garcia, who arrived alongside manager Alvaro Arbeloa from Real Madrid.

Sanchez’s Howlers

Chelsea’s success was undermined by two costly mistakes from keeper Robert Sanchez. The first came when a long clearance was flicked on by Rogers, and Sanchez failed to stop Joao Pedro’s nutmeg over Leno, allowing a second goal for the Blues. The second error occurred when Sanchez could not hold Timothy Castagne’s shot; the rebound was headed home by Garcia on his debut, bringing Fulham level at 2-2.

Fulham’s Late Surge

Fulham’s Josh King, a teenage talent, levelled the score at 23 minutes with a low shot that beat Sanchez at the near post. The match remained tight until the break, when Chelsea extended their lead to 3-1 after Lacroix’s cross found Rogers, who drilled the ball home.

Despite the cushion, Sanchez’s errors in the second half allowed Fulham to claw back. Garcia’s header on his debut and a subsequent goal from an unknown source tied the game again, keeping the pressure on the Blues.

The Final Minutes

The atmosphere in Craven Cottage intensified as Enzo Fernandez was introduced, drawing boos from the crowd. Fernandez’s arrival was seen as a controversial move, with many Fulham fans labeling him the most unpopular player in the Premier League.

The match ended with Chelsea holding onto a 3-2 win, but the defensive frailties exposed by Sanchez remain a concern as Alonso’s side looks to build on their attacking promise.