Morgan Rogers scored on his Chelsea debut and then backed close friend Cole Palmer to prove everyone wrong this season. Palmer scored and provided an assist as Chelsea made a winning start under new boss Xabi Alonso at Craven Cottage.
It was a sweet moment for Palmer after his World Cup snub, and £117m British record buy Rogers says they are determined to push for major trophies.
Rogers backs Palmer after World Cup snub
Speaking after the match, Rogers said of Palmer: “Everyone knows how good he is. Obviously, had a difficult year with injuries and stuff last year, and you can see in his eyes in preseason and in training that he's ready this year and he's ready to prove people wrong.
“You saw that with that performance -- best player on the pitch by a mile, and that's what he does. Good to have him on our side.”
Rogers delighted with debut goal
Rogers was also happy with his own debut as he scored for the new-look Blues. He said: “It's nice. You want to settle in as quickly as possible, integrate with the squad and the fans. To feel that affection in the first game and to score is a really nice moment for me.”
Palmer also admitted he is determined to prove a point this season and is happy to play with his friend Rogers. He said: “When you grow up you want to play or do anything with your best friends, so playing football at the best level feels surreal.
“I'm ready you know. It was a difficult season with injuries and whatnot but through the summer and since I've been back I've worked extra hard. Obviously with the injuries I've had to try and prevent them and work extra hard day in, day out.
“I know the talent I've got so I can put in performances like that.
“Normally I'm not an emotional person, the people who know me know I'm not usually bothered about things in life, but over the summer I rested, I recharged and yeah I'm ready and I'm hungry.”
Fulham boss rues defeat
Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa said: “We are not happy because we lost a game we wanted to win. We did a great game and deserved a little bit more but football is not about what you deserve.
“We have to improve in many things but this is the way we need to play - with character and ambition. It's a new project and time is something we don't have. If we continue to play in that way, we will win a lot of games.”
