Alonso's Chelsea Era Begins With a Win — and Cole Palmer at the Heart of It

Xabi Alonso's first match as Chelsea manager ended in a 3-2 Premier League win at Fulham, with Cole Palmer providing a goal and an assist to get the new era off to a winning start (BBC Sport).

Palmer scored Chelsea's third goal early in the second half at Craven Cottage — a strike he believed had sealed the result (BBC Sport). Fulham had other ideas, pulling the deficit back to a single goal and ensuring Alonso's debut was anything but a comfortable ride (Yahoo Sports).

The Spaniard, appointed in May after a distinguished playing career and a headline-making spell in management, has spoken repeatedly about the potential he sees at Stamford Bridge. "There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at the club," he said at the time of his appointment (Chelsea FC). His first interview went further, stressing the need to give "soul" and purpose to the club (Chelsea FC).

Two days before the Fulham match, Alonso made clear where Palmer fits in that vision. "If we want to have a great Chelsea, we need to have a great Cole," he said — an indication that the team will be built around the 24-year-old playmaker (AOL).

Palmer, for his part, has never been one to play up the pressure. Asked last year whether he simply ignores it, he pushed back with a grin: "I wouldn't go that far!" — preferring to take things game by game (Chelsea FC). Against Fulham, that calm head showed. One goal, one assist, and the kind of performance that makes a new manager's plans look a good deal simpler.

After the match, Alonso praised Palmer's display and said his squad can achieve "special things" this season (BBC Sport). It is early-days optimism, spoken by a man three points into the job. But the combination of Alonso's tactical reputation and Palmer's creative spark gives Chelsea fans something tangible to feel good about.

Not everything at Craven Cottage ran smoothly. Enzo Fernández, the Argentine midfielder, was greeted by boos from sections of the away support during the match (Yahoo Sports). Alonso now has a dressing-room dynamic to manage alongside the football.

For all the rough edges, this was a start that could have been worse. A win on the road, a goal for your best player, and three points on the board — Alonso's Chelsea is up and running.