Xabi Alonso made a winning start to his tenure as Chelsea manager on Monday as the Blues defeated Fulham 3-2 in an entertaining west London derby at Craven Cottage.
Chelsea took the lead just 31 seconds into the game through Joao Pedro, setting the tone for a frantic encounter. However, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s error allowed Fulham’s Josh King to restore parity before Morgan Rogers put the visitors back in front on his Chelsea debut.
Rogers, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa for £117 million ($159 million) in the close season, became the most expensive British player in history with the move. He quickly made his mark, combining effectively with close friend Cole Palmer as Chelsea produced a lively attacking display.
Palmer then extended Chelsea’s advantage after the break, giving Alonso’s side a two-goal cushion. Fulham refused to surrender, however, as Gonzalo Garcia pulled another goal back following a second mistake from Sanchez, setting up a tense finish.
Chelsea survived Fulham’s late pressure to secure all three points and hand Alonso victory in his first competitive match in charge. The result provides an early boost for the former Real Madrid boss, who has been brought in to revive a Chelsea side that finished 10th in the Premier League last season.
Alonso also faced a familiar figure on the opposing touchline in Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa. The pair were teammates at both Real Madrid and Liverpool for seven years and also represented Spain. Ironically, Arbeloa was promoted from Real Madrid B to replace Alonso after the latter was dismissed by the Spanish giants in January.
Rogers and Palmer also appeared to strike an immediate understanding, with Rogers operating on the left of Chelsea’s three-man attack, Palmer on the right and Pedro through the middle. Palmer, who endured a difficult previous campaign and was left out of England’s World Cup squad, looked determined to make a strong response.
With Alonso seeking to restore Chelsea to the Premier League’s upper reaches, the performances of Rogers and Palmer could prove significant. If the attacking pair can remain fit and maintain their early understanding, Chelsea will hope the victory over Fulham marks the beginning of a successful campaign and a return to the Champions League places.
