Chelsea secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday evening, marking the start of the Xabi Alonso era in entertaining fashion. Joao Pedro opened the scoring after just 31 seconds, with summer arrival Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer adding further goals in a scintillating attacking display. Fulham stayed in contention through strikes from teenager Josh King and debutant Gonzalo Garcia, ensuring a tense finale, but Alonso's side claimed all three points.
Palmer laughs at Bassey dive
During the second half, Fulham thought they had earned a penalty when Calvin Bassey went down inside the area under minimal contact from Enzo Fernandez. Referee John Brooks was unmoved, awarding Chelsea a free-kick and booking Bassey for simulation. Cole Palmer was captured by TV cameras reacting with delight, openly laughing and pointing at Bassey.
MacPhee shows his passion
Set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee, who arrived from Aston Villa this summer, brought intense energy to the touchline. During a crucial second-half moment, he was seen barking instructions as Chelsea lined up for a corner. When the move broke down due to a poor delivery, cameras caught him clapping his hands together aggressively while shouting expletives in frustration.
Alonso gives Arbeloa the eye
Former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Spain team-mates Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa shared a warm embrace before their respective Premier League managerial debuts. Just 30 seconds into the match, Joao Pedro's brilliant finish over Bernd Leno gave Chelsea a dream start. As Alonso celebrated, the cameras zoomed in on the Blues manager giving his old friend the side-eye.
Neto shushes James
Pedro Neto was introduced at right wing-back as Chelsea tried to see out the game. Captain Reece James, playing in central midfield, grew frustrated with Neto's positioning and aggressively shouted instructions. Neto responded by raising his finger to his lips and 'shushing' James, an act that drew criticism from Chelsea fans online. One fan commented: "Neto has to be sold. Outrageous disrespect." Another said: "Get rid of him immediately," while a third wrote: "Neto has an awful attitude. He's playing wing-back and he's the furthest man forward when we're defending a lead. James was right to yell." Neto's future at Chelsea is uncertain amid questions about his role under Alonso, with reported interest from Tottenham, Manchester City and Al-Hilal this summer, though Chelsea's £100m asking price appears to have deterred potential suitors for now.
