Xabi Alonso began his Chelsea tenure with a 3–2 win over Fulham in the 2026–27 Premier League opener.
Chelsea defeated Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday 24 August, giving Alonso a winning start in his first competitive match as the club’s manager. João Pedro put Chelsea ahead after only 31 seconds, and Morgan Rogers restored the lead before Cole Palmer made it 3–1.
Fulham replied through Josh King and Gonzalo García, but Chelsea held on for the victory. Palmer scored once and assisted another goal, while João Pedro also contributed a goal and an assist.
Alonso’s appointment represented a major managerial change at Chelsea. The former Spain international had previously managed Bayer Leverkusen and became one of the most prominent new coaches in the Premier League for 2026–27. Fulham were managed by Álvaro Arbeloa, another former Real Madrid player.