Cole Palmer Shines but Robert Sanchez Struggles as Chelsea Edge Fulham at Craven Cottage

Chelsea beat Fulham at Craven Cottage on 24 August 2026, with Cole Palmer producing the standout performance and Robert Sanchez doing his best to undo it at the other end.

Joao Pedro gave Chelsea the perfect start, scoring in the first minute. Fulham hit back through Josh King, who equalised in the 23rd minute. Morgan Rogers then marked his Chelsea debut with a goal in the 41st minute, and Palmer added a third to settle the contest (nine.com.au).

Palmer was rated 9/10 as the best player on the pitch by the BBC, capping a display that had everything — sharp passing, intelligent movement, and the goal that gave Chelsea breathing room (BBC Sport).

At the opposite end of the scale, Robert Sanchez was rated 3/10. The Chelsea goalkeeper's day started badly with a kicking error that gifted Fulham a corner, got worse when he failed to keep out King's equaliser at his near post, and hit rock bottom when he parried a save into a dangerous area, allowing Garcia to score Fulham's second (BBC Sport).

Between those two extremes, defender Maxence Lacroix quietly ran the show at the back. His headed clearance launched the move for Chelsea's opener, and a surging run down the right flank followed by a precise cut-back set up Rogers for his debut goal (BBC Sport).

Malo Gusto's inclusion was a surprise. Chelsea's injury problems forced the selection shuffle, and Gusto stepped in at full-back when few expected him to start (BBC Sport).

Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea's record signing, was booed by the home fans on every touch. Craven Cottage made its feelings known whenever the Argentine midfielder got the ball, creating an atmosphere that crackled whenever he was involved (BBC Sport).

Chelsea's record at Craven Cottage is strong. They have won six of the past eight Premier League visits, with Fulham taking the other two (Chelsea FC).

What makes this match stand out is the sheer range of storylines packed into ninety minutes. A debut goal, a goalkeeper caught in the headlights, a defender turning creator, and a midfielder hearing boos every time he touched the ball. Palmer was the constant — the player who made the difference when chaos threatened to swallow the afternoon.

For Chelsea, the win continues a run of results at a ground where they have historically felt comfortable. For Sanchez, it is a performance he will want to forget quickly. And for Rogers, it is the kind of debut a player dreams about.