Alonso's Chelsea reign begins with 3-2 derby win at Fulham, João Pedro scores after 31 seconds

Xabi Alonso's first competitive match as Chelsea manager ended in a 3-2 Premier League win at Fulham on 2026-08-24. João Pedro scored the opening goal after 31 seconds. Morgan Rogers, signed from Aston Villa for £117m, marked his debut with a goal assisted by fellow arrival Maxence Lacroix (£52m). Cole Palmer added Chelsea's third. Josh King scored Fulham's equaliser in between. Alonso deployed the 3-4-2-1 formation that won him the 2024 Bundesliga with Leverkusen, though Robert Sánchez looked shaky in goal and defensive gaps remain.