Chelsea's front three shine in derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 9:05 PM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Chelsea's front three of João Pedro, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers excelled in their first competitive match under manager Xabi Alonso at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2026. The match was a showcase of attacking flair, with Rogers scoring on his debut following a £117m transfer. Chelsea also received an assist from new signing Maxence Lacroix, valued at £52m, but faced challenges with goalkeeper Robert Sánchez's performance. Fulham, under Alvaro Arbeloa, put up a strong fight and were unlucky not to secure a point.
- •João Pedro, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers starred in Chelsea's attack.
- •Morgan Rogers scored on his debut after moving from Aston Villa.
- •Maxence Lacroix assisted a goal in his first match for Chelsea.
- •Chelsea faced goalkeeper challenges with Robert Sánchez's performance.
- •Fulham were close to equalizing but couldn't secure a point.
- 9:05 PMThe Guardian Sport — Chelsea’s front three dazzle as they edge out Fulham in derby thriller
"This was a crash course for Xabi Alonso in life at Chelsea. His new side thrilled in possession at Craven Cottage. The front three of João Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers combined to devastating effect and there was even an assist for the new £52m centre-back, Maxence Lacroix. At times the only issue was the two No 10s both laying claim to the ice cold celebration. Palmer had a point to prove after missing out on England’s World Cup squad and Rogers scored on his debut after his £117m move from Aston Villa. Yet victory in Alonso’s first competitive game as Chelsea’s manager was far from straightforward. He saw that he needs a better goalkeeper than Robert Sánchez and will worry about his side’s lack of smarts. Fulham, who will hope this bright start under Alvaro Arbeloa shows there is life after Marco Silva, were unfortunate not to rescue a point. Continue reading...
"Cole Palmer was back to his best to get Xabi Alonso's Chelsea career off to a winning start in a chaotic 3-2 victory at Fulham on Monday Night Football.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportAug 24, 2026, 9:05 PMChelsea’s front three dazzle as they edge out Fulham in derby thriller
This was a crash course for Xabi Alonso in life at Chelsea. His new side thrilled in possession at Craven Cottage. The front three of João Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers combined to devastating effect and there was even an assist for the new £52m centre-back, Maxence Lacroix. At times the only issue was the two No 10s both laying claim to the ice cold celebration. Palmer had a point to prove after missing out on England’s World Cup squad and Rogers scored on his debut after his £117m move from Aston Villa. Yet victory in Alonso’s first competitive game as Chelsea’s manager was far from straightforward. He saw that he needs a better goalkeeper than Robert Sánchez and will worry about his side’s lack of smarts. Fulham, who will hope this bright start under Alvaro Arbeloa shows there is life after Marco Silva, were unfortunate not to rescue a point. Continue reading...
- Sky Sports—Chelsea's electric front three edge out Fulham in pulsating MNF opener
Cole Palmer was back to his best to get Xabi Alonso's Chelsea career off to a winning start in a chaotic 3-2 victory at Fulham on Monday Night Football.
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