It took Chelsea only 31 seconds to offer a first glimpse of their new attacking potential. Palmer’s clever flick released João Pedro, who raced clear and lifted the ball over Bernd Leno.

The lightning start set the tone for a chaotic west London derby at Craven Cottage. Chelsea looked capable of scoring almost every time they attacked, but their defensive problems repeatedly allowed Fulham back into the contest.

Palmer needed only 31 seconds

According to Chelsea’s official match report, João Pedro’s opener was followed by several chances for Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Roméo Lavia.

Fulham responded in the 23rd minute. Josh King found space inside the penalty area and beat Robert Sánchez at his near post, although the Chelsea goalkeeper should have done considerably better.

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The visitors recovered before the break. Palmer released debutant Maxence Lacroix, whose powerful run and cutback allowed Rogers to sweep home his first Chelsea goal in the 41st minute.

Rogers, signed from Aston Villa for £117 million, needed less than one half of Premier League football to open his account. The England international also became an immediate part of Chelsea’s most dangerous combinations.

Palmer made it 3-1 four minutes after the restart. Rogers flicked the ball towards João Pedro, the Brazilian held off the defence and Palmer calmly guided his finish through Leno’s legs.

All three members of Alonso’s new attack had now scored. More importantly, they had combined with a speed and understanding that Fulham struggled to contain.

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“I’m ready and I’m hungry”

After the match, Palmer was asked how ready he was for the new season. His response was as confident as his performance.

“Did you not watch the game? I’m only joking, I’m ready,” Palmer said in an interview reported by 101 Great Goals.

The 24-year-old explained that he had worked particularly hard during the summer after injuries disrupted his previous campaign. Missing England’s World Cup squad had also given him time to recover physically and mentally.

Alonso had described Palmer as “world class” before the opening fixture. The Chelsea head coach said the forward had trained hard to understand his body and prevent a repeat of last season’s problems, according to the club’s website.

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The early evidence supports Alonso’s confidence. Palmer finished with a goal, an assist, five completed dribbles, five shots and three chances created.

“If we are going to have a good team, then we need a great Cole,” Alonso said after the game, quoted in Stats Perform’s report.

A spectacular attack cannot hide every problem

Chelsea’s third goal should have ended the contest, but Fulham replied again in the 54th minute. Sánchez parried Timothy Castagne’s shot into a dangerous area, allowing debutant Gonzalo García to head into an empty net.

Antonee Robinson later lobbed wide with Sánchez stranded, while Ryan Sessegnon forced another save. Chelsea eventually survived, but the final half-hour was far less comfortable than Alonso would have wanted.

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The Guardian’s analysis highlighted the contrast between Chelsea’s electric forward line and their continued uncertainty in goal, midfield and defence.

Without Moisés Caicedo, Alonso paired Reece James with Lavia in central midfield. Fulham still enjoyed periods of control, while Levi Colwill and Sánchez were involved in the mistakes preceding the second goal.

Chelsea nevertheless began a Premier League season with victory for the first time since 2022. Alonso also became the first Chelsea manager since Maurizio Sarri in 2018 to see his team score three times in his first top-flight match.

It was not a controlled or flawless beginning. Yet with Palmer, João Pedro and Rogers combining like this, Alonso’s Chelsea already look extremely difficult to ignore.

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