Xabi Alonso managed Chelsea in their 3–2 victory over Fulham during the 2026–27 Premier League opening round.
Chelsea visited Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday 24 August 2026 and won the west London derby. The match was Alonso’s first Premier League game as Chelsea manager.
The fixture carried an unusual personal connection because Fulham were managed by Álvaro Arbeloa. Alonso and Arbeloa had been teammates at Liverpool from 2007 to 2009 and later worked near each other at Real Madrid.
The result gave Alonso a winning start in the English top flight. It should not be confused with Manchester City’s opening match, where Enzo Maresca began his reign with a 2–1 victory over Bournemouth.