Palmer shines as Chelsea edge Fulham 3-2 in thrilling London derby opener

Cole Palmer delivered a standout performance as Chelsea kicked off their Premier League campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham in a West London derby on Sunday. This win provides new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso with a successful start to his Premier League tenure, making him only the third of the club's last nine managers to win their opening league game.

For Fulham, the defeat marked Arbeloa's first Premier League match in charge, with both managers making their league debuts for their respective clubs. Chelsea took an early lead just 31 seconds into the match. Cole Palmer set up João Pedro, who calmly finished past goalkeeper Bernd Leno. This goal became the earliest scored by any team in its opening game of a Premier League season.

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Chelsea needed just 31 seconds to take the lead, with João Pedro producing a composed finish after Palmer picked him out.

Palmer nearly doubled Chelsea's lead shortly after, but his shot was saved by Leno. Fulham gradually found their footing in the game, exploiting some uncertainty in both defenses. Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez appeared shaky and was beaten in the 23rd minute when Josh King's low effort found the back of the net, leveling the score.

Fulham gained momentum, with Josh Acheampong making a crucial block to deny summer signing Gonzalo García a debut goal. However, Chelsea regained control before halftime. Pedro came close with a volley, and Leno saved Roméo Lavia's close-range effort. Chelsea restored their lead four minutes before the interval when summer recruits Maxence Lacroix and Morgan Rogers combined, with Rogers firing a low shot past Leno to make it 2-1.

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The goal was the earliest scored by a team in its opening game of a Premier League season.

Palmer extended Chelsea's lead four minutes into the second half. After being released behind the Fulham defense by Pedro, Palmer calmly finished through Leno's legs, putting Chelsea up 3-1. Fulham responded quickly, reducing the deficit five minutes later. Sánchez parried Timothy Castagne's shot, and García headed the rebound onto the crossbar and into the net. García's goal continued his impressive record of scoring all seven of his career league goals at home.

Fulham pressed for an equalizer, with King narrowly missing the post with a low effort 18 minutes from time. Antonee Robinson also came close with an attempted lob over Sánchez, but his shot went wide. Despite a stoppage-time goal by Pedro being ruled out for offside, Chelsea secured their first opening-day victory since 2022. The result also extended Chelsea's strong record at Craven Cottage, marking their seventh win in their last nine visits to Fulham's home ground.

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Palmer then extended Chelsea’s advantage four minutes after the restart.