CHELSEA EDGE FULHAM 3-2 IN THRILLING PREMIER LEAGUE OPENER

By Olayinka Temilade

Chelsea began their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Fulham in an entertaining London derby at Craven Cottage.

The visitors made a dream start when João Pedro opened the scoring just 31 seconds into the encounter, putting Chelsea ahead with the fastest goal of the opening weekend.

Fulham responded in the 23rd minute through Joshua King, who capitalised on a mistake by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez to level the score.

Chelsea restored their advantage shortly before half-time when Morgan Rogers scored in the 41st minute to give the visitors a 2-1 lead at the break.

Cole Palmer extended Chelsea’s lead four minutes into the second half, finding the net in the 49th minute to make it 3-1.

Fulham, however, refused to give up as debutant Gonzalo García pulled one back in the 54th minute to reduce the deficit to 3-2. García, who joined Fulham from Real Madrid, marked his competitive debut for the club with a goal.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but Chelsea held on to secure all three points.

The encounter also provided an intriguing managerial reunion, with former Real Madrid coaches Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa facing each other in their first Premier League match in charge of Chelsea and Fulham respectively.

For Alonso, the victory marked a successful return to English football, this time as a manager after previously playing in the Premier League for Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Arbeloa’s Fulham showed attacking promise but were ultimately punished by defensive errors as Chelsea secured victory in a five-goal thriller.

The result gives Chelsea an ideal start to the new Premier League season, while Fulham will look to regroup after a narrow defeat on their home ground.

Full-time: Fulham 2–3 Chelsea.