Cole Palmer was the standout performer as Xabi Alonso began his tenure as Chelsea manager with an exciting Premier League victory over neighbours Fulham in their opening fixture.

The 24-year-old delivered an outstanding performance at Craven Cottage, setting up Joao Pedro for Chelsea’s opener just 31 seconds into the match before scoring the decisive goal himself with a calm finish through Bernd Leno’s legs.

Palmer was a constant threat throughout the game, while Alonso was also pleased to see Chelsea’s record summer signing, Morgan Rogers, score on his league debut after converting Maxence Lacroix’s cutback.

Despite Chelsea’s bright start, Fulham made Alonso’s first competitive league game in England a difficult one. Teenage midfielder Josh King, who impressed throughout, restored parity in the first half with a powerful strike that beat Robert Sanchez at his near post.

Gonzalo Garcia, another summer arrival from Real Madrid, then scored his first goal for Fulham with a close-range header, giving Alvaro Arbeloa’s side renewed hope of earning a point in an entertaining, end-to-end contest.

Chelsea, however, held on under pressure to secure victory and record their first win in an opening Premier League fixture since the 2022-23 season.