Palmer delivers on Alonso's debut as Chelsea win 3-2 at Fulham

Cole Palmer scored one and assisted another as Xabi Alonso's Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage on 24 August 2026, the new manager's first match in charge. Alonso had said beforehand: "If we want to have a great Chelsea, we need to have a great Cole." He called the result a step towards "special things" this season.