Chelsea began the Xabi Alonso era with a 3-2 victory at Fulham, and while familiar defensive frailties resurfaced, the performance of a new-look front three offered a tantalising glimpse of what the manager's attacking blueprint could deliver.
Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers all found the net at Craven Cottage, with each player impressing in a display that left supporters more excited about the future than relieved by the three points.
Attacking trio delivers on opening night
Rogers, Chelsea's £117million record signing, arrived late to convert a pull-back from debutant centre-back Maxence Lacroix. The 22-year-old initially took a back seat in the opening 40 minutes before making his mark.
Palmer was named man of the match, scoring with a composed nutmeg through the legs of Bernd Leno and creating Joao Pedro's early opener. Palmer registered just one Premier League assist last season but matched that tally after 31 seconds this term.
Joao Pedro, rested after being left out of Brazil's squad for the summer, is expected to rival Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot.
Alonso praises Palmer's display
“I'm very happy for Cole,” said Alonso. “Because I have really enjoyed seeing him playing with this dynamism, with this freedom, this responsibility.”
Asked whether he was well-rested after missing out on the World Cup and ready to be the old Palmer, the one Chelsea sorely missed last season, Palmer replied: “Did you not watch the game?”
Chelsea had only 39 per cent possession, and it was when the trio tore away on the counter-attack that they caused the most damage. Fulham struggled to contain the energy of the front three, who pressed like a well-drilled hunting pack.
Formation offers new dimension
Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro operated in a narrow front three within a 3-4-2-1 formation, a system that proved effective for Crystal Palace when they won the FA Cup in 2025 under Oliver Glasner. With Joao Pedro a more mobile threat than Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, Chelsea's version could function even better.
Rogers and Palmer have been friends since their days in Manchester City's academy, and their relationship off the pitch showed signs of translating on to it. “To do it day in, day out, week in, week out at club level is just an honour,” Rogers said.
Alonso acknowledged that while the front three must lead Chelsea's charge for Champions League football, it is not reasonable to place all the pressure on them. Asked whether he would build his team around his front three, he said: “No, build the team with them. They need to take responsibility, they need to lead the rest, inspire the rest. Because if they do well, the others will follow.”
In game one, they did very well indeed.
