Chelsea began the season with a 3-2 win over Fulham. According to Jamie Carragher, the three points weren't the only notable aspect. The former Liverpool defender sees signs that the London club could become a rival to Arsenal in the title race.

Carragher points to three reasons for this potential challenge. First, Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso, a suitable coach after 4 years under new ownership. Second, not participating in European competitions allows the team to focus entirely on the Premier League. Most importantly, they have Cole Palmer, currently one of Europe's most talented attacking players.

"If Palmer can maintain his form and become the Premier League's outstanding player over the next 12 months, he will help prevent this league from losing its most creative and charismatic players," Carragher wrote in The Telegraph.

Cole Palmer celebrates a goal during Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham in the Premier League's first round at Craven Cottage, London, England on 24/8/2026. *Photo: Chelsea FC*

Carragher holds particular expectations for Palmer after the 24-year-old midfielder was excluded from England's 2026 World Cup squad by coach Thomas Tuchel. According to the former Liverpool defender, Palmer enters the new season in significantly better physical and mental condition.

The win against Fulham was merely a warm-up, and Carragher cautions against drawing conclusions too early from one match. However, he admits the excitement surrounding Chelsea is justified, especially if Palmer can combine with record signings Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro to form one of England's most exciting attacking trios.

"I don't think anyone outside of Chelsea fans admires Palmer more than I do," he wrote, reiterating his view that Tuchel should have given the midfielder a spot in the World Cup squad. Carragher's argument is simple: a player with Palmer's special qualities always deserves a place in a 26-man squad, even if recent form hasn't been perfect.

Cole Palmer receives the player of the tournament award after Chelsea defeated PSG 3-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA on 13/7/2025. *Photo: Chelsea FC*

In the 2025-2026 season, Palmer experienced a decline in both physical condition and form within a struggling Chelsea squad. Therefore, those who argued Palmer hadn't done enough to convince Tuchel during the crucial period also had a point.

But Carragher emphasizes Palmer has repeatedly proven he can shine on the biggest stages. The midfielder scored for England in the Euro 2024 final, contributed two assists to help Chelsea defeat Real Betis 4-1 in the 2025 Conference League final, and scored a brace in the 3-0 victory over PSG in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final.

"While some players might be weighed down by the spotlight, Palmer seems to enjoy it. That is a quality of a high-class player," Carragher commented.

Cole Palmer lifts the trophy after Chelsea's 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final at Miejski Stadium, Wroclaw, Poland on 28/5/2025. *Photo: Reuters*

There is an interesting paradox in Chelsea's story: Thomas Tuchel, who played a major role in the club's 2021 Champions League victory, could also be the one indirectly creating a new turning point for the team.

After the European championship, Tuchel was sacked in 2022. Chelsea then endured a prolonged period of decline, finishing 12th, 6th, 4th, and 10th in the Premier League.

But the decision to exclude Palmer from the England World Cup squad could have an inverse effect. If being overlooked by Tuchel makes Palmer return to Chelsea with a desire to prove himself, that could be the motivation the team needs to enter the Premier League title race.

Carragher therefore draws an ironic conclusion: if Palmer truly returns to his best form and propels Chelsea into contention with Arsenal, the London club might have to thank both Alonso and Tuchel. One became the club's suitable coach. The other, though unintentionally, may have rekindled the fire in Chelsea's most important player.

*Hong Duy (according to The Telegraph)*