Alonso era begins in style as Chelsea edge Fulham 3-2 in thriller

The strike was the fastest goal scored on the opening week­end in the 34-year history of the Premier League.

Fulham gradu­ally recovered from the early setback and levelled in the 24th minute when Josh King beat Robert Sanchez at his near post, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.Chelsea, however, restored their advantage shortly be­fore half-time.

New signing Maxence Lacroix surged down the right before delivering a precise cutback for Rogers, who calmly finished to put the visitors 2-1 ahead in the 41st minute.

Palmer then extended Chelsea’s lead four minutes af­ter the restart.

Joao Pedro held up possession before finding the England midfielder, who drilled his effort through Le­no’s legs to make it 3-1.The goal capped a promis­ing return to form for Palmer, who endured an injury-hit campaign last season and sub­sequently missed England’s World Cup squad. “It was a difficult season with injuries and whatnot, but through the summer and since I’ve been back I’ve worked extra hard,” Palmer told Sky Sports.Fulham….

Making his league debut following his move from Real Madrid, Garcia reacted quickest after Sanchez parried Timothy Castagne’s effort and headed home.

The hosts pushed hard for an equaliser and came ago­nisingly close in the 78th min­ute when Antonee Robinson at­tempted to lift the ball over the advancing Sanchez, only to see his effort drift wide.Chelsea ultimately held firm to give Alonso a winning start in his first competitive match since taking charge at Stamford Bridge.

The victory came at the expense of Fulham coach Alvaro Arbeloa, Alonso’s former Liverpool and Spain teammate, who was also mak­ing his Premier League coach­ing debut.

Arbeloa had briefly succeeded Alonso as Real Ma­drid manager last season.Chelsea will hope the return of injured midfielder Moi­ses Caicedo and new full-back Marco Palestra will add fur­ther defensive solidity, while goalkeeper Sanchez could face competition from Mike Pend­ers following the latter’s re­turn from sister club Racing Strasbourg.

The result never­theless provided Alonso with an ideal beginning as Chelsea look to build momentum un­der their new manager.

LONDON – Chelsea launched the Xabi Alonso era in spectacular fash­ion on Monday, holding off a spirited Fulham comeback to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory in the Premier League, with Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers all finding the net.