Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has spoken after beginning his reign with a 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham.
The result gave Chelsea three points in the opening round of the competition and marked a winning start for Alonso in his first match in charge of the club. He gave an interview after the game, which produced five goals and saw Chelsea claim victory against their London rivals.
Joao Pedro put Chelsea ahead after only one minute, giving Alonso’s side the ideal start to the match. The early goal established an advantage for Chelsea and was the first of three goals scored by the team during the encounter.
Fulham responded during the first half, but Chelsea restored their lead through Morgan Rogers in the 41st minute. His goal came shortly before the interval and meant Chelsea went into half-time ahead after a fast-moving opening period.
Cole Palmer then added Chelsea’s third goal four minutes after the restart. Palmer’s strike arrived in the 49th minute and put Chelsea two goals in front, leaving Fulham with a significant challenge as the second half began.
Fulham scored again during the match, reducing the deficit and setting up a tense finish. Chelsea, however, held on to secure a 3-2 win and begin their Premier League campaign with maximum points.
The victory was made possible by goals from Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer. They found the net in the first, 41st and 49th minutes respectively, providing the decisive contribution in a game in which both sides scored.
For Alonso, the match was his first competitive fixture as Chelsea manager. His post-match interview followed a result that gives the club an early three points and a positive opening to the season.
Chelsea will return to action on 30 August, when they host Brighton in the second round of the Premier League. The fixture will be played at Chelsea’s home ground and will give Alonso the opportunity to lead the team in front of its own supporters for the next league match.
The meeting with Brighton will be Chelsea’s second Premier League game of the campaign, following the win over Fulham. Chelsea will go into that fixture after scoring three times in their opening match and taking a narrow victory in a 3-2 contest.
