Xabi Alonso's Chelsea tenure got off to a dream start with a 3-2 away victory over Fulham in their 2026–27 Premier League opener.
A Thrilling Debut
Xabi Alonso's Chelsea began their Premier League campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday evening. The visitors took an early lead, with Joao Pedro scoring the opener just 31 seconds into the game. However, Fulham hit back through Josh King's near-post strike, which Robert Sánchez made a mess of.
A New Era Unfolds
The match showcased Chelsea's new approach under Xabi Alonso, who prioritized rapid turnovers and transition. This was a stark contrast to the team's previous style under Enzo Maresca, who often prioritized control at the expense of excitement. Alonso's game plan was based on quick turnovers and a more direct approach, which led to a thrilling end-to-end match.
A Glaring Weakness Remains
Despite the thrilling win, Chelsea's defense still has a glaring weakness in goal. Robert Sánchez made several mistakes, including the one that led to Fulham's second goal. This remains a concern for Alonso and the Chelsea management, who will need to address this issue in the coming weeks.
Early Signs of Fun Football
Despite the defensive concerns, there were early signs that Xabi Alonso's Chelsea could be a fun team to watch. The visitors' attacking trio of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Morgan Rogers stole the show against Fulham, with Palmer producing a decisive display. This could be a sign of things to come for Chelsea, who look set to play a more exciting brand of football under Alonso.
What's Next for Chelsea?
The win over Fulham will give Chelsea a much-needed boost as they look to build momentum in the Premier League. However, they will need to address their defensive concerns if they are to compete with the top teams in the league. Xabi Alonso will be hoping that his side can continue to play exciting football while also improving their defensive solidity.
Source: 3News
