Chelsea opened their Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

João Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all found the net as Xabi Alonso’s side claimed three points in the new manager’s first match in charge.

The visitors made a dream start when Palmer’s clever flick released João Pedro, who finished coolly after just 31 seconds. Fulham responded midway through the first half as Josh King equalised with a powerful effort that beat Robert Sánchez at his near post.

Chelsea regained the lead before the interval. Maxence Lacroix delivered a cross from the right and Rogers, making his debut after a big-money summer move, swept the ball home. Early in the second half Palmer made it 3-1, nutmegging Bernd Leno after being set up by João Pedro.

Fulham refused to go quietly. Gonzalo García pulled a goal back in the 54th minute after Sánchez spilled a shot, setting up a tense final half-hour. Chelsea held firm to secure the win and give Alonso a positive start on the west London derby stage.

The result highlighted the early chemistry between Chelsea’s attacking trio while underlining the need for greater defensive solidity as the season progresses.

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