Chelsea’s Premier League opener offered a clear sign of what could make this season different, but it also exposed familiar risks. Under Alonso, the visitors produced a 3-2 win at Craven Cottage, and the central figure was Cole Palmer, who delivered the kind of performance Chelsea had been waiting for.

Palmer had a hand in all three of Chelsea’s open-play goals. Before the match, there was already a sense of confidence around him, and he justified it quickly by slipping João Pedro through for the opening goal after just 31 seconds. That strike set the tone for what was to follow, with Palmer repeatedly finding space, moving with ease and creating problems that Fulham struggled to contain.

The 24-year-old created three chances, misplaced only four passes and added a fine goal of his own to make it 3-1 in the 49th minute. For much of the evening, he looked sharper and freer than he had for a long time, helped by an off-season without the usual demands. His display showed both individual quality and how much Chelsea can gain when he is at full pace.

Alonso’s flexible 3-4-2-1 gave Palmer the freedom to drift, combine and dictate. The structure around him also worked in moments, especially for Chelsea’s second goal, when Maxence Lacroix pushed forward into a role few would have expected and laid the ball back for Morgan Rogers to score into an empty net. It summed up Alonso’s idea of movement, rotation and unpredictability.

Yet the defensive side of Chelsea’s performance was far less convincing. Levi Colwill escaped a red card early on, while Fulham were allowed back into the match before Robert Sánchez came under heavy scrutiny for a series of unconvincing actions, including both goals he might have done more to stop. The ending was made worse when Palmer went off holding his knee, leaving Alonso with a concern despite the opening-day victory.

Chelsea began the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a 3-2 away victory over Fulham, giving Xabi Alonso a winning debut at the club. The result was built on an encouraging attacking display, even if the afternoon also exposed familiar concerns at the other end of the pitch.

The visitors were level heading towards the break before their summer additions made a decisive impact. Maxence Lacroix created the moment, setting up Morgan Rogers for his first goal in blue. Cole Palmer then struck soon after half-time, adding a third for Chelsea and underlining his influence throughout the contest.

Fulham responded through Gonzalo García midway through the second half, but Chelsea managed the closing stages well enough to secure the points. It was a positive first step for Alonso, though the performance still carried clear warning signs, especially in defence.

Robert Sánchez was once again central to that discussion. Alonso had recently said he was “very happy” with his current options, particularly starter Robert Sánchez, and highlighted his “experience” both at the club and the Premier League in general. However, the goalkeeper’s afternoon quickly turned into another difficult one. His positioning was poor for the opener, and his attempt to intervene was no better. Later, another loose clearance handed Fulham a route back into the match.

There were brighter notes elsewhere. Lacroix delivered a strong debut, combining defensive interventions with quality in possession. Palmer was outstanding, while Rogers impressed with his pressing and goal threat. João Pedro also made an early mark with a fine first touch and finish for Chelsea’s opening goal.

Chelsea’s attack already looks capable of troubling teams, but Alonso will know the balance of the side still needs work.

Chelsea’s long-standing edge over Fulham remains clear on paper as the two sides prepare for their 2026/27 Premier League opener. Yet the most recent campaign showed how narrow the margin has become between the neighbours.

Last season ended with both clubs level on points, leaving Chelsea ahead only on goal difference. The split was fine enough that each team won its own home fixture, underlining how little separated them over the course of the league season.

Fulham also had one small statistical advantage in the overall defensive record. They conceded one fewer goal across the campaign, a detail that adds another layer to a fixture that has historically leaned Chelsea’s way but was much more even last time out.

That context gives the opening match of 2026/27 added relevance. Chelsea may still carry the stronger record in the rivalry, but the previous season suggested Fulham are closer than the historical trend would imply. With both clubs having taken a home win apiece and finished tied on points, there is little reason to expect a one-sided contest on current evidence.

The numbers from last season point to a matchup defined by fine margins rather than a clear hierarchy. Chelsea’s edge came down to goal difference, while Fulham’s slightly better defensive return offers a reminder that the balance between these sides has shifted considerably from the old pattern of dominance.