Alonso wins first Chelsea game as Rogers and Pedro strike in win over Fulham

Xabi Alonso secured a winning start as Chelsea's new manager, guiding the team to a thrilling 3-2 victory against Fulham in a west London derby. The win came thanks to a debut goal from Morgan Rogers and a strike from Joao Pedro just 31 seconds into the match.

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Alonso’s reign got off to a stunning start when Levi Colwill’s header reached Palmer and he flicked a deft pass into the path of Pedro, who timed his run perfectly and clipped a composed finish past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Alonso, hired to revitalize Chelsea after their 10th-place finish last season, faced a chaotic game at Craven Cottage. Pedro opened the scoring early, but a blunder from Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez allowed Fulham to equalize. Rogers then put Chelsea back in front before halftime with a goal on his debut. Cole Palmer extended Chelsea's lead in the second half, though Fulham managed to score a second goal late in the game following another error by Sanchez.

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King’s strike was close enough for Sanchez to save but he allowed the ball to squirm into the net.

The match also saw a reunion of old friends on the touchline, with Alonso facing new Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, who had previously replaced Alonso at Real Madrid. Rogers, who is also close friends with Palmer, displayed dynamic attacking play, suggesting a promising partnership that could be key to Chelsea's ambitions for Champions League qualification. Despite defensive lapses, Alonso's bold formation and the attacking prowess of his new signings offered a glimpse of potential for the club.

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It was a brilliant move, started by Palmer’s clever turn and pass to debutant defender Maxence Lacroix, whose unexpected burst forward produced a low cross that reached Rogers for a clinical finish from 10 yards.