Chelsea's lineup for Alonso's debut featured a 3-4-2-1 formation, a system he successfully employed to win the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024. Midfielder Moises Caicedo was absent, with Romeo Lavia making a rare start alongside Reece James. New signing Marco Palestra missed his debut due to a minor injury, while Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato were cautious choices on the flanks.

The attacking prowess was a major highlight of Alonso's debut. Joao Pedro proved effective as a central striker, and new signing Morgan Rogers scored his first goal since his record 158 million USD transfer from Aston Villa. However, the most positive sign for Alonso was Cole Palmer's energetic and dangerous performance. Palmer, determined to prove himself after an injury-plagued 2025-2026 season that saw him miss the World Cup with England, showcased his full potential.

Cole Palmer (right) celebrates his goal with Joao Pedro and Reece James during Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham in their Premier League opener at Craven Cottage, London, England on 24/8/2026. Photo: *Reuters*

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa, a friend of Alonso for nearly two decades, also noted positive aspects in his first game in charge. Nineteen-year-old Josh King excelled as a number 10, while Oscar Bobb made an impact on the right wing. The contributions of Cesar Palacios and Gonzalo Garcia, whom Arbeloa brought from Real Madrid, quickly justified their transfers. Palacios displayed smooth ball control in midfield, and Garcia scored on his debut.

However, Fulham's youthful squad paid the price for defensive inexperience. The opening goal, conceded after just 31 seconds, was disastrous. A Chelsea defender's clearing header immediately disrupted the home team's defense. Palmer capitalized with a precise touch, creating space for Pedro to break through and chip the ball diagonally over Bernd Leno, opening the scoring in the 31st second. This goal marked the fastest ever scored in a Premier League opening round match.

Fulham quickly responded, finding an equalizer. Following a well-executed play on the right wing, King broke free and unleashed a powerful shot from a tight angle past Robert Sanchez, who appeared to be out of position and reacted slowly.

Chelsea maintained pressure throughout the closing minutes of the first half. Lavia threatened the goal, and Pedro volleyed wide from a Palmer pass. The visitors converted their pressure into a goal in the 41st minute. Palmer initiated the attack with a pass to Maxence Lacroix on the right wing. The defender, signed for 70 million USD, faked a move to bypass a Fulham player before crossing into the box for Rogers to tap into an empty net, with Leno caught out of position.

Fulham's risky approach, both in possession and off the ball, often left them exposed, a vulnerability Chelsea exploited early in the second half. Pedro broke the offside trap and laid the ball perfectly for Palmer, who slotted it between the Fulham goalkeeper's legs to make it 3-1.

That advantage should have allowed Chelsea to control the match. However, Fulham rekindled their hopes following another error from Sanchez. The Spanish goalkeeper fumbled Timothy Castagne's shot, allowing Garcia to head in the rebound and narrow the deficit.

For the remainder of the game, Alonso made continuous adjustments to help Chelsea control the play, including bringing on Enzo Fernandez for the cramping Lavia. The Argentine midfielder, who scored the goal that eliminated England from the World Cup 2026 semifinals, was booed every time he touched the ball. However, with Manchester City closely monitoring him, the bigger question remains whether Fernandez will stay at Chelsea.