Morgan Rogers Scores on Chelsea Debut as Alonso Starts Era with 3-2 Fulham Win

Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea tenure got off to a winning start on Monday as the Blues edged Fulham 3-2 in an entertaining west London derby, with new signing Morgan Rogers scoring on his debut.

Joao Pedro gave Chelsea the perfect start, finding the net just 31 seconds into the game before Rogers restored the visitors’ lead in the first half. Cole Palmer added a third after the break, while Fulham goals from Josh King and Gonzalo Garcia ensured a tense finish.

Alonso was brought in to rebuild Chelsea after the club ended last season in a disappointing 10th position in the Premier League.

The former Real Madrid boss is also looking to prove himself after his brief spell at the Bernabeu ended with his dismissal after less than eight months.

Chelsea made an explosive start at Craven Cottage when Pedro opened the scoring inside the first minute.

Levi Colwill’s header fell to Palmer, who produced a neat flick to send Pedro through. The forward kept his composure and clipped the ball beyond Leno to put Chelsea ahead.

Fulham responded in the 23rd minute when Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was unable to keep out King’s effort.

The strike was within the Spaniard’s reach, but the ball slipped through his hands and into the goal, continuing concerns over his performances from last season.

Chelsea’s adventurous 3-4-3 formation left them exposed at times, but Alonso’s team continued to pose a threat in attack.

Their pressure paid off again in the 41st minute when Rogers put Chelsea back in front.

The £117 million ($159 million) signing from Aston Villa, who became the most expensive British player in history with the move, finished from 10 yards after a flowing move involving Palmer and debutant defender Maxence Lacroix.

Rogers then celebrated with Palmer’s trademark “ice-cold” gesture, which the Chelsea star had previously borrowed from a former Manchester City youth teammate.

Palmer got on the scoresheet himself four minutes after half-time.

Pedro held the ball up during the build-up before Palmer burst into the Fulham box and drilled a low effort past Leno from a difficult angle to make it 3-1.

Fulham were handed another opportunity to fight back in the 54th minute when Sanchez made another mistake.

The goalkeeper failed to hold Timothy Castagne’s shot, and Gonzalo Garcia reacted quickest to head home the rebound on his debut after joining Fulham from Real Madrid.

The hosts pushed hard for an equaliser, with King coming close when his powerful long-range effort went narrowly wide. Robinson also attempted to beat Sanchez with a lob, but the ball drifted just off target.

Fernandez was introduced late in the match and was met with loud boos from Fulham fans, who were reacting to his controversial role in Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England.

The victory also gave Alonso bragging rights over Arbeloa, his former teammate at Real Madrid and Liverpool and fellow Spain international.

The two friends spent seven years playing together before Arbeloa was promoted from Real Madrid B and took over from Alonso after the latter was dismissed by the Spanish club in January.

Rogers also impressed alongside his close friend Palmer, with the pair immediately forming an effective attacking partnership. Rogers started on the left of Chelsea’s front three, Palmer on the right and Pedro through the middle.

Palmer endured a difficult previous campaign, including being left out of England’s World Cup squad, but appeared determined to make a strong return.

For Chelsea, keeping Rogers and Palmer healthy and in top form could be key to the club’s hopes of challenging for Champions League qualification this season.

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