Chelsea began their Premier League campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham in a West London derby on Sunday, giving new manager Xabi Alonso a winning start to his league reign.
Chelsea needed just 31 seconds to take the lead when João Pedro calmly lifted the ball over Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno after being played through by Cole Palmer. Fulham responded strongly and equalised in the 23rd minute through Josh King, whose low shot beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez at his near post.
Chelsea regained control before halftime and restored their lead four minutes before the break. Maxence Lacroix cut the ball back for Morgan Rogers, who fired a low shot past Leno to make it 2-1.
Palmer then added Chelsea’s third goal four minutes into the second half. João Pedro found the England international behind the Fulham defence, and Palmer calmly finished through Leno’s legs.Fulham quickly pulled one back when Gonzalo GarcÃa headed in the rebound after Sánchez had parried Timothy Castagne’s effort onto his path. The hosts continued searching for an equaliser, with King and Antonee Robinson coming close, but Chelsea held on to secure all three points.
João Pedro thought he had scored again in stoppage time, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The victory gave Alonso a winning start in his first Premier League match as Chelsea manager and extended Chelsea’s strong record at Craven Cottage, where they have now won seven of their last nine visits. For Fulham manager Arbeloa, the defeat marked a disappointing beginning to his first Premier League match in charge.
