Chelsea opened their 2026/27 English Premier League campaign with a 3-2 victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage, emerging victorious from a thrilling five-goal London derby.
The visitors made an immediate impact, taking the lead just 30 seconds into the match when Brazilian forward João Pedro finished a setup from Cole Palmer. Fulham responded midway through the first half, equalizing in the 23rd minute through a strike from Joshua King.
Chelsea reclaimed the lead shortly before halftime when Palmer found space down the right flank to pick out defender Maxence Lacroix, who provided the assist for Morgan Rogers to score his debut goal for the club. Palmer then expanded the advantage early in the second half, converting a third goal for the blues in the 49th minute.
Read more: Serie A: Roma debuts with convincing victory (4-0) as Rodrigo Mora starts (with video)
Fulham cut the deficit in the 54th minute through a goal from Gonçalo García and pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages of the match, creating dangerous chances through Antonee Robinson and Ryan Sessegnon. Chelsea held firm to secure three points in their official debut under manager Xabi Alonso.
The victory also featured the debut of Portuguese winger Giovany Quenda, who came off the bench late in the second half alongside fellow countryman Pedro Neto to help close out the match for the visitors.
