Cole Palmer scored and created in a pulsating 3-2 west London derby victory as Chelsea handed new head coach Xabi Alonso a winning start to his tenure at Craven Cottage on 25 August.

Lightning Start Sets the Tone

Joao Pedro broke the deadlock after just 31 seconds, latching onto a deft flick from Palmer to race clear of the Fulham backline and convert. It was one of the fastest goals of the Premier League season and immediately put Alonso's side in the driving seat.

The lead did not last long, however. A costly error from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez gifted Josh King an equaliser in the 23rd minute, levelling the contest and handing the hosts a foothold they had barely earned on the balance of play.

Chelsea Restore Advantage Before the Break

Alonso's side refused to be rattled. Excellent work from Maxence Lacroix carved open space on the right, and Morgan Rogers — marking his competitive Chelsea debut — swept home to restore the advantage before half-time. The goal underlined the depth of attacking options now at Alonso's disposal.

Palmer Puts Chelsea in Control

Early in the second half, Palmer added his name to the scoresheet, finishing off a flowing move that also involved Rogers and Pedro to make it 3-1. The England midfielder's contribution — a goal and an assist — confirmed his status as Chelsea's most dangerous creative force.

Fulham reduced the deficit through Gonzalo Garcia, who marked his Premier League debut with a goal to set up a nervy closing spell. King dragged a chance wide, and Antonee Robinson latched onto a long ball over the top only to lob wide when well-placed — the hosts' clearest opportunity to draw level again. A Pedro strike was also disallowed, with Geovany Quenda adjudged to have drifted offside in the build-up.

Alonso's Debut, Arbeloa's Defeat

For Alvaro Arbeloa, taking charge of his first top-flight match as Fulham manager, the afternoon ended in disappointment. Chelsea, by contrast, looked cohesive and direct — a promising early signal for a fanbase that has endured significant managerial turbulence in recent seasons. Notably, this is the first time Chelsea have won their opening Premier League fixture under a new permanent head coach since Antonio Conte arrived in 2016.

What's Next for Chelsea

Alonso's men return to action on Thursday evening when League One side Luton Town visit Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup. The cup tie offers an early opportunity to rotate the squad and assess depth before the Premier League schedule intensifies.