Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage in Xabi Alonso's first Premier League game in charge, with Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all scoring. However, two errors from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez allowed Fulham back into the contest.
Rapid start and debut goal
Chelsea took the lead after just 31 seconds. Fulham defender Jorge Cuenca's clearance was headed back by Maxence Lacroix, and Cole Palmer provided a clever flick-on. Joao Pedro went clean through, kept his composure and lifted the ball over Fulham keeper Bernd Leno into an empty net.
Record signing Morgan Rogers scored on his debut, drilling home from Lacroix's low cross to put Chelsea back in front before the break. Rogers joined for a British record £117m.
Fulham fight back but Chelsea hold on
Fulham levelled after 23 minutes when teenager Josh King's low shot beat Sanchez at his near post. Fulham's equalising goal came from debutant Gonzalo Garcia, who headed home after Sanchez failed to hold Timothy Castagne's shot.
Palmer added Chelsea's third after the break, nutmegging Leno at his near post following a flick-on from Rogers and a pass from Joao Pedro. Enzo Fernandez came on to loud boos from the home fans.
Fulham's new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who succeeded Marco Silva after six months in charge at Real Madrid, saw his side equal their record signing with a £34m move for Garcia. Chelsea remain challengers to Arsenal, but defensive issues persist.
