Netting a Goal, Chelsea's Most Expensive Player Helps Xabi Alonso's Squad Beat Fulham

Chelsea kicked off their 2026/2027 Premier League campaign with a victory. The Blues defeated Fulham 3-2 in the fixture at Craven Cottage, early morning WIB on Tuesday 25 August 2026. Morgan Rogers became the main talking point of this tight match that remained competitive right until the final whistle. 

Chelsea's most expensive signing from the 2026 summer transfer window netted one goal on his official Premier League debut for the West London side.

Xabi Alonso's team played with high intensity from the very first minute of the match. Before 60 seconds had even elapsed, Joao Pedro had already put The Blues in front.

Joao Pedro perfectly converted Cole Palmer's counter-attack pass to beat Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno, opening the scoring at 1-0 to Chelsea.

Fulham responded through Joshua King, who scored an equaliser in the 23rd minute. His powerful strike from inside the penalty area could not be stopped by Robert Sanchez.

The Blues regained their lead just before half time. In the 41st minute, Morgan Rogers scored his first ever goal for Chelsea in the Premier League. His finish inside the box put Chelsea ahead 2-1. 

Chelsea Extend Their Lead, Fulham Strike Back

Chelsea did not ease off their pressure in the second half. Four minutes after the restart, The Blues extended their advantage to 3-1. This time Cole Palmer found the net, finishing off a short layoff pass from Joao Pedro.

With a 3-1 lead, Chelsea took comfortable control of proceedings. However, Fulham refused to concede defeat.

In the 54th minute, Gonzalo Garcia pulled a goal back for the hosts to reignite their hopes. His close range header brought the scoreline to 3-2.

Fulham pushed relentlessly for an equaliser for the remaining time. Chelsea however maintained their concentration under the home side's pressure, with no further goals scored before the final whistle blew. The Blues departed Craven Cottage with all three points.

This victory puts Chelsea in 6th position in the provisional 2026/2027 Premier League standings.

For Morgan Rogers, this goal against Fulham marks a promising start following his blockbuster transfer signing from Aston Villa.

Meanwhile for Xabi Alonso, this opening match win provides a crucial foundation as he builds Chelsea's challenge for the new season.

Team Lineups

Fulham: Bernd Leno, Timothy Castagne, Calvin Bassey, Jorge Cuenca, Antonee Robinson (Rodrigo Muniz 82'), Sander Berge (Ryan Sessegnon 73'), Alex Iwobi, Joshua King, Oscar Bobb (Shea Charles 67'), Gonzalo García, César Palacios (Kevin 73')

Chelsea: Robert Sanchez, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Josh Acheampong, Reece James, Romeo Lavia (Enzo Fernandez 65'), Jorrell Hato (Pep Chavarria 65'), Malo Gusto (Pedro Neto 76'), Cole Palmer (Estevao 83'), Morgan Rogers (Geovany Quenda 82'), Joao Pedro