Alonso wins first competitive match as Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 in Premier League opener

Xabi Alonso's competitive debut as Chelsea manager brought a 3-2 win at Fulham on 24 August, opening the 2026-27 Premier League season. Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Morgan Rogers all scored for Chelsea. Alonso called it "a very professional, solid performance with maturity." Sky Sports reported that a goalkeeper problem remains after Robert Sánchez showed uncertainty despite the result.