Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The Chelsea Chronicle have handed out player ratings from Chelsea’s 3-2 win on the opening day of the Premier League season against Fulham.
Chelsea’s devastating new-look front three all found the net, with Joao Pedro opening the scoring after just 30 seconds.
Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer scored either side of half-time, however the Blues were forced to work hard as poor goalkeeping from Robert Sanchez kept their opponents in the game.
Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham
There was plenty for new manager Xabi Alonso to like though, as he became the first Chelsea manager since Thomas Tuchel to win on the opening day of the campaign.
The Chelsea Chronicle have handed out player ratings from the victory at Craven Cottage…
Robert Sanchez – 1/10
A shocking performance, particularly in the first half, from Robert Sanchez. Should’ve saved the equalising goal, and was at fault for Fulham’s second too.
A clear message to the Chelsea board that a signing is needed in that position…
Josh Acheampong – 7/10
Really promising that Alonso had faith in starting Josh Acheampong, and even more promising that he put in a great performance on the right of the back three.
Maxence Lacroix – 8/10
Getting an assist from skipping past a Fulham defender will not have been on Maxence Lacroix’s bucket list for his debut, but it complemented an assured performance at the back from the new signing.
Levi Colwill – 5/10
Was booked early after a shaky start, and didn’t really settle down in his first game in Alonso’s back three.
Malo Gusto – 5/10
Didn’t really affect the game too much, after Malo Gusto was a surprising inclusion in the starting side ahead of Pedro Neto.
Romeo Lavia – 7/10
Handed a start over Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia was brilliant in possession and equally good at winning the ball back for Chelsea, frequently sending them on their way for counter attacks.
Reece James – 7/10
Despite playing out of position in the middle of the park, Reece James did well and helped out the Blues a lot as they broke at pace.
Jorrel Hato – 6/10
Jorrel Hato was strong in the tackle, and always looking to get forward before being replaced in the second half.
Cole Palmer – 10/10
Completely ran the show tonight. Assisted Pedro early on, before a glorious turn set Chelsea on their way for their second goal, and scoring the third.
If this is a sign of what is to come, Chelsea fans should be very excited about what is to come from Palmer this season.
Fulham v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Morgan Rogers – 8/10
A debut goal will feel incredibly sweet for Rogers, who took his place in that devastating Chelsea frontline very effectively.
Joao Pedro – 8/10
Got his Premier League account up and running within a minute, and was a physical threat up against the Fulham centre-backs all evening.
Enzo Fernandez – 6/10
Brought some much-needed control to the midfield, despite the boos ringing every time he touched the ball.
Pep Chavarria – 6/10
Slotted in fairly comfortably down the left after replacing Hato in the second half.
Pedro Neto – 5/10
Had a number of chances to use his pace to get Chelsea up the pitch, but didn’t utilise his traits well enough.
Geovany Quenda – N/A
Estevao Willian – N/A