Fulham v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
Fulham v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27 | Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages
Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea opener could not have provided much more entertainment, as the Blues secured all three points to kick-start their Premier League campaign and their push for European football.
Now, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. There was plenty for the Spanish manager to ponder, with some worrying signs that will need to be addressed as the campaign gets into full swing.
So, let's look at the positives and negatives from the game.
Positive: Chelsea trio of attack
The trio of João Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all found the net in the opener, but it was their attacking fluidity and excitement that really stood out. Whether holding the ball up or cleverly letting it run across their bodies to evade defenders, the front three constantly found ways to create space and cause problems.
Cole Palmer, in particular, was outstanding and barely put a foot wrong. He orchestrated Chelsea’s attacks, dictating the tempo and adding a clinical edge that ultimately proved too much for Fulham.
Negative: Robert Sanchez
Absolute nightmare shift from Robert Sanchez. If there’s any silver lining to that meltdown, it’s that it erased every last drop of doubt: he cannot be the starting keeper for a serious title contender.
He was directly at fault for both goals, starting with the opener so soft I’m pretty sure the keeper down at my local Sunday League pitch saves it with a belly full of beer from the night before. Getting beaten at your near post from that angle is already brutal, but watching the ball hit the dead center of the net from out there? Genuinely shocking stuff.
The second error was largely overshadowed, as he could have been credited with the assist for Gonzalo Garcia. It was a good initial save, but pushing the ball back into the six-yard box only compounded the error and left Chelsea vulnerable.
Positive: Three good team goals
Seeing Maxence Lacroix bombing forward into the wing area before cutting the ball back for Morgan Rogers to score was a joy to behold. In fact, all three goals were excellent to watch and shared a common theme: Chelsea attacked with speed and purpose, often starting their moves from the halfway line or deeper.
The first came from a superb clearance by Lacroix that found Cole Palmer, who drove forward and finished the move. The second saw the French defender step out from the back and join the attack before providing the assist for Rogers. The third came from a long ball by Robert Sánchez, with João Pedro holding off his defender and carrying the ball into the box before Palmer arrived to finish.
There was a real sense of intent to Chelsea’s attacking play, with Alonso’s side looking to transition quickly and exploit the space behind Fulham.
Negative: Wing-back performances
The wing-backs, Jorrel Hato and Malo Gusto, were largely underwhelming in a system that gives them greater responsibility than a traditional full-back in a back four. While both covered plenty of ground up and down the flanks, neither made a significant impact in attack, while Fulham found some joy by stretching Chelsea into the wide areas.
When Pedro Neto came on, he looked promising to the attacking play. That is despite Reece James shouting at the Portuguese star for not tracking back.
Positive: Lacroix looked strong
While there was a moment I thought Chelsea signed Bradley Barcola for the second goal, the Frenchman was the best defender. He largely had Gonzalo Garcia in his pocket for the first half, forcing him to drift more onto Josh Acheampong for effectiveness in the second half.
When up to speed and fitness, Lacroix looks like a Rolls Royce and the centre back will aid the other defenders around him.
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