Chelsea secured all three points in their Premier League opener with an impressive attacking performance against Fulham, as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers provided plenty of excitement.
The first-half performance offered a glimpse of Chelsea’s attacking future, with the link-up and freedom between Palmer and Rogers behind a superb João Pedro giving Blues fans plenty to be excited about this season.
The Brazilian number nine got the ball rolling after just 35 seconds with a tidy finish from a neat Cole Palmer flick. His first touch and finish were of Premier League-leading goalscorer quality.
After a howler from Robert Sanchez for the equaliser, Maxence Lacroix proved he is a true winger after stepping out of defence, turning the opposition in the box and finding Morgan Rogers for an easy goal for his Chelsea first. The Frenchman was so good he tricked Bernd Leno into thinking he was facing Désiré Doué or Bradley Barcola.
Then came Cole Palmer’s goal to cap off an excellent Monday night, with the attacking midfielder showing glimpses of the player Chelsea fans saw throughout the 2024/25 season. A composed finish from a tight angle put the game beyond doubt and sealed a very goodnight at Craven Cottage.
Starting XI ratings
GK: Robert Sanchez - 5
Makes every Chelsea fan bite their nails. An absolute shocker for the opening goal, as he was beaten at his near post from a position where no goalkeeper should be beaten. He should have done better for the second, and could be handed the assist for Gonzalo Garcia goal.
His distribution was poor throughout the game too, with the only real positive from his performance being his handling of crosses, claiming around three of them comfortably.
CB: Josh Acheampong - 7
Crucial block in the first half when Chelsea were under pressure, denying what looked like a certain Gonzalo Garcia goal. Had a largely solid game, with the majority of Fulham’s attacks coming down Chelsea’s left side, but was only caught out once or twice with balls in behind
CB: Maxence Lacroix - 7.5
A superb clearing header played a key role in João Pedro’s opener, finding Cole Palmer, who provided the assist. He looked the sharpest of Chelsea’s defenders in an impressive debut, with the defensive highlight coming when he stoppedGonzalo Garcia one-on-one after largely keeping the striker quiet throughout.
Got the assist for Morgan Rogers’ goal through some brilliant wing play, yes, you read that right.
Had a stronger first half than second, but overall it was a very promising debut performance.
CB: Levi Colwill - 6.5
Gave away a chance after losing the ball, before bringing down Oscar Bobb and earning himself a yellow card.
Was strong at winning the ball back and made some crucial interceptions throughout the game.
RWB: Malo Gusto - 6.5
Lacked composure and looked unfit but will hopefully come good if he stays. Cannot remeber many moments from the Frenchman
CDM: Reece James - 7
Solid performance from the captain in a largely impressive pressing and controlling display. He was the better of the midfielders against Fulham, particularly in the first half, where he had a greater influence on the game.
CDM: Romeo Lavia - 7
Was very good in the press and passed well before being substituted. Had a close-range effort that he should have done better with, but overall, it was a strong performance. Came off looking good and, most importantly, with no injury concerns.
LWB Joel Hato - 6.5
A largely standard performance, providing support for Morgan Rogers in attack, although most of Fulham’s threat came down his side, with the visitors regularly targeting him and Colwill. The overturned throw-in was arguably the only standout moment I can remember from his game.
CAM: Cole Palmer - 9
Wow! This was a rejuvenated Cole Palmer back to his best. His first-half performance was delightful, as he was Chelsea’s main attacking outlet. He assisted João Pedro for the opener and nearly had another after a superb run and cross, only for the Brazilian to miss the target.
He got the goal he deserved on the night after making a clever run into the box before producing a composed finish from a tight angle. Close to a perfect performance from Palmer.
CAM: Morgan Rogers - 8
A goal in blue and fully deserved, as he created the second-most chances on the night.
Another player who looked really promising in attack, with the ball consistently finding the British transfer record signing, who was Chelsea’s main threat in transition. Safe to say, it was a very impressive debut and an exciting start to what could be a superb Chelsea career.
ST: Joao Pedro - 8
Beautiful dink inside the first minute to put Chelsea ahead and carry his superb form from the summer into the new season. Could have had one or two more but returned the favour for Palmer in the second half. Was impressed with his hold up play today.
Substitutes
Enzo Fernandez (sub on 64) - 6
Pep Chavarria (sub on 64) - 6
Pedro Neto (Sub on 75) - 6
Geovanny Quenda (Sub on 82)
Estevao (Sub on 82)
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