Xabi Alonso began his Chelsea reign with a statement victory as the Blues defeated Fulham 3-2 in an entertaining West London derby at Craven Cottage.
The result ended Chelsea’s long wait for an opening-day Premier League victory, while Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey began the new campaign on the losing side with Fulham.
Chelsea had not won their opening Premier League fixture since Thomas Tuchel guided them to a 1-0 victory over Everton in 2022. Alonso ended that run at the first opportunity, securing three points in his first league match in charge.
Chelsea needed just 32 seconds to take the lead.
Cole Palmer found João Pedro with a defence-splitting pass, allowing the Brazilian forward to race through and calmly finish beyond Bernd Leno.
The goal immediately showcased the attacking approach Alonso wants to introduce at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea continued to threaten Fulham’s defence, with Palmer, João Pedro and Morgan Rogers causing problems with their movement and combination play.
Rogers, Chelsea’s club-record signing, then gave the visitors the lead again shortly before half-time after receiving a cutback from Maxence Lacroix.
It was an impressive way for Rogers to announce himself in competitive action for his new club.
Chelsea extended their advantage shortly after the restart.
João Pedro returned the favour to Palmer, setting up the England international to score Chelsea’s third goal from a tight angle.
With Chelsea leading 3-1, Alonso appeared to be heading towards a comfortable debut victory.
Fulham, however, refused to surrender.
The hosts reduced the deficit through Gonzalo García after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez failed to hold a powerful Timothy Castagne effort.
García reacted quickly to the rebound and gave Fulham renewed hope.
The Cottagers then pushed forward in search of an equaliser, creating a tense finish at Craven Cottage.
Chelsea’s defence eventually held firm despite sustained Fulham pressure to secure Alonso’s first Premier League victory.
For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the match also had a particular interest because Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey were both involved for Fulham.
The Nigerian duo were unable to prevent Chelsea from taking all three points despite Fulham’s late pressure.
Their defeat means Fulham begin the new Premier League campaign without a point, while Chelsea immediately move forward with confidence under their new manager.
For Iwobi and Bassey, the focus will now shift towards the remainder of what promises to be another demanding Premier League season.
The victory represents more than just three points for Alonso.
Chelsea had gone several seasons without winning their first Premier League match, a run stretching back to 2022.
The Spanish manager has now ended that unwanted sequence on his competitive debut.
He also became the first Chelsea manager since Maurizio Sarri in 2018 to oversee a three-goal opening Premier League victory.
That gives Alonso an immediate boost as he attempts to rebuild Chelsea following a disappointing previous campaign.
The biggest positive from Alonso’s first competitive match was Chelsea’s attacking performance.
João Pedro, Palmer and Rogers all found the net, while the combination between the attacking players repeatedly caused Fulham problems.
However, there were also warning signs.
Chelsea’s goalkeeper error allowed Fulham back into the game, while the Blues were placed under significant pressure during the closing stages.
Alonso will therefore be pleased with the result but aware that there is still work to do defensively.
Alonso could hardly have asked for a better competitive beginning.
His Chelsea side scored three goals, ended a four-year opening-day wait for victory and survived a late Fulham comeback attempt.
The performance was not perfect, but it provided an early glimpse of what Chelsea could become under the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss.
For Fulham and the Super Eagles duo of Iwobi and Bassey, the result is a reminder that there is plenty of work ahead.
The Premier League season is only beginning.
For Alonso, however, the opening statement could hardly have been louder, Chelsea have started the Alonso era with three points.
