Chelsea starts strong under Alonso with 3-2 win over Fulham

Xabi Alonso hailed Chelsea's "special" forwards after Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro combined to inspire a 3-2 win at Fulham on Monday in his first game as Blues boss.Alonso enjoyed the perfect start to his reign thanks to his decision to give Rogers, Palmer and Pedro the freedom to tear into Fulham's defence.

Xabi Alonso made a winning start to life as Chelsea manager in a chaotic 3-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. It took only 31 seconds for Joao Pedro's goal to bring the visitors' new era to life, but despite an attacking display that was scintillating at times, plenty still remained of the defensive frailties that have undermined this team in the recent past.

Chelsea record signing Morgan Rogers scored on his debut while beating Fulham 3-2 to give new coach Xabi Alonso a perfect start to the Premier League season on Monday. Rogers signed from Aston Villa last month and scored four minutes before halftime when he slotted home a sweet cutback from Maxence Lacroix. Brazilian João Pedro gave Chelsea the lead after 32 seconds, only for Josh King to equalize midway through the first half.

Xabi Alonso won his first game as Chelsea boss thanks to Morgan Rogers's debut goal and Joao Pedro's strike after just 31 seconds of a pulsating 3-2 victory against Fulham on Monday.On an evening when old friends were reunited on the touchline and on the pitch, Alonso emerged victorious against new Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa.