London [UK], August 25 (ANI): Xabi Alonso made a winning start to his Chelsea tenure as Cole Palmer inspired an enthralling 3-2 derby victory over Fulham in the ongoing Premier League.
Palmer scored one and set up another at Craven Cottage, where Joao Pedro fired Chelsea ahead after just 31 seconds.
Robert Sanchez’s error gifted Josh King a 23rd-minute equaliser, but Morgan Rogers marked his competitive Chelsea debut with a goal before Palmer restored the Blues’ lead to make it 3-1.
Gonzalo Garcia pulled Fulham back into the contest with a goal on his Premier League debut, but Alvaro Arbeloa’s first top-flight game in charge ultimately ended in defeat.
Alonso did not have to wait long for the first Chelsea goal of his reign. Palmer pounced on a loose ball before threading a pass through to Joao Pedro, who made no mistake, lifting a delicate finish over the advancing goalkeeper.
Levi Colwill was perhaps fortunate to escape with only a booking after bringing down Oscar Bobb to halt a promising Fulham break. At the other end, Josh King forced Sanchez into action with a fierce drive.
Yet Sanchez could do nothing to keep out King’s next effort, with the youngster’s low strike finding its way through the Spaniard. Josh Acheampong produced a superb block to deny Garcia, while João Pedro came within inches of restoring Chelsea’s lead with a fierce volley.
Chelsea restored their lead in the 41st minute, with Maxence Lacroix brilliantly setting up fellow debutant Rogers, who made no mistake from close range.
The Blues’ front three combined to devastating effect just four minutes into the second half. Rogers flicked the ball on to João Pedro, who held it up superbly before calmly teeing up Palmer to slot the ball through Bernd Leno’s legs.
Fulham hit back just five minutes later, though, as Garcia was on hand to head home after Sanchez could only parry Timothy Castagne’s effort.
King dragged wide as Fulham upped the pressure, and Sanchez was in no man’s land when Antonee Robinson latched onto a long ball over the top, only to lob it wide, and that was the hosts’ clearest chance to equalise again.
Joao Pedro had a strike disallowed for Geovany Quenda drifting offside, but Chelsea saw out the win to give Alonso a perfect start in his first match in charge. (ANI)
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