Fulham 2-3 Chelsea 
by Joseph Musa
at Craven Cottage 

THE quickest goal of the season so far goes to Joao Pedro, as he put Chelsea ahead over Fulham after just 32 seconds.

Maxence Lacroix’s cleared header went straight to Cole Palmer who played the ball first time to Joao Pedro, the Brazilian dinked the ball over the onrushing Bernd Leno. 

Fulham gained more possession of the ball but were also taking risks playing out from the back, fortunate that Chelsea didn’t punish them when winning the ball in dangerous areas. 

Josh King was a real bright spark for the home side and tested Robert Sanchez, before taking it up a level in the 23rd minute after a give and go with Timothy Castagne, King rifled a shot into the near corner. Sanchez will be disappointed he didn’t save it. 

The home fans were loud, providing immense support. 

Chelsea’s attacking trio of Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro combined well, causing Fulham problems, this time threatening as Palmer crossed for Pedro, but his volley went just wide of the target. 

Palmer found debutant Lacroix who dropped his shoulder to get past Jorge Cuenca in the box, the French centre-half found fellow debutant Rogers who slotted home as Chelsea retook the lead five minutes before half-time. 

An electric first half in the West London Derby, the second half continued in the same vein with Palmer slotting through Leno’s legs to make it 3-1 in the 49th minute, Pedro with the assist. 

Palmer seemed to take it personally being left out of England’s World Cup squad.

Fulham hit back five minutes later as their new striker Gonzalo Garcia headed in the rebound after Sanchez saved a shot from Castagne. 

Enzo Fernandez was subbed on for the Blues and the boos that echoed around the ground were hard to ignore. Given his controversial celebrations in the World Cup, when he helped Argentina knock England out, it seems he’ll receive that kind of reception all season long. 

Fulham had a few more chances, with Antonee Robinson having probably the best one as he was played through on goal and his lobbed effort went just wide as Sanchez was beaten. The Blues held on for the win. 

Xabi Alonso said of player of the match Cole Palmer: “I’m very happy for Cole because I have really enjoyed seeing him play this way, with this dynamism, with this freedom, with this responsibility”. 

His counterpart, Alvaro Arbeloa, expressed regret that his team could not secure a result for the fans despite their support. 

It was a classic match to welcome both managers to the Premier League.