Palmer stars as Alonso's Chelsea make perfect start

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Updated / Monday, 24 Aug 2026 22:04 Getty Cole Palmer scored one and assisted another for Chelsea Xabi Alonso made a winning start to life as Chelsea manager in a chaotic 3-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. The England forward enjoyed an encouraging debut capped with a slotted finish to make it 2-1 before the break, then Cole Palmer, arguably Chelsea’s best player on the night, began the second half with a beautiful finish to make it three.

Sanchez almost made a mess of turning King’s drive behind with a fumbled parry, but the next effort from the Fulham forward flummoxed him completely. Joao Pedro volleyed a foot wide from Palmer’s cross, Reece James drilled straight at Leno after Rogers’ shot was blocked, then Leno deflected Romeo Lavia’s close-range effort behind.

Palmer had already showed sublime skill to beat four defenders and curl wide when, early in the second half, he made it three. Antonee Robinson missed a glorious chance to complete the comeback when he lobbed wide with Sanchez caught out of his goal, then the goalkeeper partially redeemed himself in keeping out Ryan Sessegnon’s fierce hit, as Chelsea hung on.