Fulham vs Chelsea player ratings: Two Blues debutants star with 8/10s but problem player scores 4/10
Chelsea secured a victory against Fulham in a high-scoring Premier League match, marking a successful start for manager Xabi Alonso. The game featured standout performances from debutants, though goalkeeper Robert Sanchez faced criticism for defensive errors.
Why it matters
The match represents a significant tactical shift for Chelsea under new management and highlights the impact of new player acquisitions.
Xabi Alonso got his Premier League managerial career off to a winning start as Chelsea overcame local rivals Fulham in a five-goal thriller.
Chelsea snatched a lead in just 31 seconds as Joao Pedro was slipped in behind by Cole Palmer , with the Brazilian deftly dinking Bernd Leno to kickstart the Alonso era in dream fashion.
A bright start from the Blues was cancelled out in preventable fashion when Robert Sanchez was bafflingly beaten at his near post by Josh King, flipping the game on its head as Arbeloa's men began to push.
But Chelsea would retake control through an unlikely source, centre-back Maxence Lacroix sending his man in the opposition box before pulling it back to fellow new boy Morgan Rogers to simply slot home for a debut goal.
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