London, 25 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Cole Palmer Chelsea influence was immediately evident as the England international scored and created another goal in a thrilling 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, giving new manager Xabi Alonso a winning start to his competitive reign.
Palmer leads Chelsea attack in west London derby
Chelsea made an extraordinary start to their 2026/27 Premier League campaign when João Pedro opened the scoring after just 31 seconds. Palmer supplied the decisive pass before the Brazilian lifted his finish beyond the Fulham goalkeeper.
Fulham recovered from the early setback and equalised midway through the first half through Josh King, who capitalised as the hosts put pressure on Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.
Alonso’s side restored their advantage before half-time. Summer signing Morgan Rogers, making his competitive Chelsea debut following his move from Aston Villa, scored to put the visitors 2-1 ahead.
Palmer then extended Chelsea’s advantage shortly after the interval. His goal completed an influential attacking performance in which he was directly involved in two of his team’s three goals.
Fulham refused to concede the contest and Gonzalo García headed in to reduce the deficit to 3-2. The hosts continued searching for an equaliser, but Chelsea survived the pressure to secure all three points.
Xabi Alonso praises Cole Palmer Chelsea performance
Alonso highlighted Palmer’s freedom and influence after the match, saying he had enjoyed watching the 24-year-old play with greater dynamism and responsibility.
The Chelsea manager said: “I am very happy for Cole because I have really enjoyed seeing him play with this dynamism, with this freedom, with this responsibility, helping the team, and feeling important.”
Alonso added that Chelsea would be a better side if Palmer continued to play with that level of confidence and enjoyment.
The performance followed an injury-disrupted previous campaign for Palmer. Chelsea’s official website said the forward had struggled with physical problems during much of last season but entered the new campaign after a full summer working under Alonso.
Alonso era begins with three Premier League points
The match represented Alonso’s first competitive fixture since taking charge at Stamford Bridge during the summer.
He selected Palmer alongside João Pedro and Rogers in an attacking unit which quickly demonstrated its potential. All three scored at Craven Cottage, while Palmer’s early assist underlined the understanding already developing between Chelsea’s forwards.
Chelsea’s victory also came without Moisés Caicedo and Marco Palestra in the matchday squad. Alonso confirmed before kick-off that both players were unavailable for the league opener.
Chelsea win exposes strengths and concerns
The result gives Alonso an immediate three points, but the two goals conceded also demonstrated areas requiring attention. Fulham repeatedly threatened Chelsea and punished defensive mistakes, ensuring the contest remained open until the final whistle.
For Chelsea, however, the attacking performance provided an encouraging start. Cole Palmer Chelsea form will be particularly important after Alonso described the England international as a “world-class” talent before the season began.
What comes next for Chelsea?
Chelsea will now turn their attention to their next competitive fixture as Alonso continues implementing his tactical approach and assessing the fitness of players who missed the opening match.
The Fulham victory provides an early platform rather than a definitive measure of Chelsea’s prospects. What is confirmed is that Alonso’s Premier League tenure has begun with three points — and Palmer has started the campaign at the centre of Chelsea’s attacking plans.
