Chelsea began their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, marking a winning start for new manager Xabi Alonso.
The match produced five goals in an entertaining encounter. Joao Pedro opened the scoring after just 32 seconds, calmly chipping Bernd Leno after being played through by Cole Palmer. Fulham equalised through Josh King, who found the net at the near post past Robert Sanchez. Morgan Rogers then netted his first goal for the club just before the interval, tapping in from Maxence Lacroix’s cross.
The visitors extended their advantage after the restart when Joao Pedro held the ball up cleverly and set up Palmer, who finished coolly through Leno’s legs. Fulham briefly threatened a comeback when Gonzalo Garcia headed in after Sanchez parried Timothy Castagne’s effort, but Chelsea held on for the win despite a nervous finish that included four added minutes.
There were concerns when Palmer signalled for treatment after pulling up during an attacking move, and he was subsequently replaced by Estevao Willian. Morgan Rogers was also substituted, with Geovany Quenda coming on in his place. Pedro Neto entered the fray for Malo Gusto as Alonso looked to protect the lead.
Enzo Fernandez was introduced to the action amid ongoing speculation about his future at Stamford Bridge, coming on alongside Pep Chavarria to a hostile reception from the home supporters. Earlier, Levi Colwill had been booked for a challenge on Oscar Bobb, with Fulham’s bench appealing for a red card. Romeo Lavia also received a yellow card inside the opening 12 minutes.
Chelsea’s victory means they have now avoided defeat in their opening fixture for the first time in three seasons. The club had previously failed to win their first match of the campaign in each of the last three years. This latest result also extends their unbeaten run against Fulham to two consecutive matches, having lost the previous encounter in January.
Danny Welbeck, a new signing for the Blues, was not included in the matchday squad but is set to feature in what will be his 19th Premier League campaign, equalling the record held by Jermain Defoe.
Morgan Rogers marked his debut with a goal, having completed a move from Aston Villa during the summer transfer window. The England international had contributed 48 goals and assists across the previous two seasons for Villa.
Fulham’s Alvaro Arbeloa, a close associate of Alonso, was taking charge of his first Premier League match as a manager. The pair will now go head-to-head in the dugout after their friendship was put on hold for the duration of the contest.
Alan Shearer had previously offered his assessment of Liam Delap, who continues to be linked with a departure from Chelsea and was absent from tonight’s squad. Gordon Strachan, speaking separately, expressed scepticism about Chelsea’s prospects of securing a top-four finish this term.
Alonso became the 27th manager to take charge of at least one Premier League match for Chelsea, overtaking Tottenham’s record of 26 different managers. However, only two of Chelsea’s last eight managers have won their first league game, with both of those victories coming in London derbies.
Fulham had won just one of their previous six season-opening matches in the top flight. The club has not suffered consecutive defeats against Chelsea across all competitions since a run of three losses between April 1977 and October 1979.