From giggles to cheeky stares - here are four moments you might have missed from Chelsea's 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday
Joao Pedro, Reece James and Cole Palmer celebrate
Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 on Monday to kick the Xabi Alonso era off in entertaining fashion (Image: Getty)
The Xabi Alonso era at Chelsea got off to a flying, albeit nerve-wracking, start on Monday evening as the Blues secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. Expectations were sky-high for the Spaniard's Premier League managerial debut and his team wasted no time setting the tempo. Joao Pedro opened the scoring after just 31 seconds, before summer arrival Morgan Rogers and star man Cole Palmer added further strikes to cap off a scintillating attacking display.
However, it was far from plain sailing for Alonso's side. Familiar defensive frailties and error-prone moments allowed Fulham to stay in the contest through goals from teenager Josh King and debutant Gonzalo Garcia, ensuring a tense finale on the banks of the Thames. But despite the frantic back-and-forth nature of the match, Alonso will be delighted to begin his Chelsea tenure with three crucial points in the bag. While the five-goal thriller gave supporters plenty to analyse on the pitch, several intriguing touchline and player interactions flew under the radar. From explosive outbursts to sly glances between former team-mates, here are four things you might have missed from Chelsea's victory over Fulham.
Palmer laughs at Bassey dive
For a brief moment, Fulham thought they'd earned a second half penalty when Calvin Bassey went down inside the penalty area. The home supporters instantly erupted, screaming for a penalty as the defender fell dramatically to the turf under minimal contact from Enzo Fernandez.
However, referee John Brooks was entirely unmoved by the theatrical fall and swiftly blew his whistle to award Chelsea a free-kick instead. To the dismay of the Fulham faithful, Brooks reached into his back pocket and brandished a yellow card, booking Bassey for simulation.
The incident did not go unnoticed by Cole Palmer, who was captured by TV cameras reacting to the decision with absolute delight. Upon spotting the referee booking the Fulham man for diving, Palmer openly laughed and pointed directly at Bassey, clearly enjoying the failed penalty attempt.
Austin MacPhee shows his passion
Chelsea's backroom staff underwent a major shake-up this summer, with the arrival of set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa hailed as one of the club's smartest additions. The Scottish coach quickly demonstrated why he is so highly regarded, bringing intense energy and high standards directly to the Stamford Bridge touchline.
During a crucial moment in the second half, MacPhee was seen frantically barking instructions to the Chelsea players as they lined up for a corner. He gestured animatedly from the technical area, attempting to ensure his meticulously rehearsed routine was executed to perfection.
When the move broke down due to a poor delivery, MacPhee could not hide his frustration. Cameras caught the coach clapping his hands together aggressively while shouting expletives in disappointment, proving just how much high-level set-piece execution means to Alonso's new-look setup.
Alonso gives Arbeloa the eye
There was a touch of nostalgia on the touchline as former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Spain team-mates Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa went head-to-head in their respective Premier League managerial debuts. Before the action got underway, the two close friends shared a warm embrace and exchanged pleasantries in front of the cameras.
That camaraderie was momentarily put on hold just 30 seconds into the match when Joao Pedro raced through to loft a brilliant finish over Bernd Leno. The explosive start caught Fulham completely off guard and gave Chelsea the dream opening to the new campaign.
As Alonso celebrated the early opener with his staff, the cameras zoomed in on the Blues manager turning his attention back toward the opposition dugout. With a cheeky look on his face, Alonso gave his old friend Arbeloa the side-eye, delivering a fabulously memeable moment.
Xabi Alonso gives Alvaro Arbeloa the side-eye
Xabi Alonso gave Alvaro Arbeloa the side-eye after Chelsea's first goal (Image: Sky Sports Premier League)
Neto shushes James
With Chelsea trying to see out the game in the second half, Pedro Neto was introduced at right wing-back to bolster the flank. Operating out of his usual attacking comfort zone, the Portuguese international was pushed into heavy defensive duties as Fulham applied late pressure.
Blues captain Reece James, who was playing in central midfield, grew visibly frustrated with Neto as the hosts looked for an equaliser. Feeling his team-mate was out of position, an angry James marched over to Neto and aggressively shouted instructions to get him back into line.
Rather than backing down, Neto offered a fiery response. The winger raised his finger to his lips and brazenly 'shushed' James - an act that didn't go down too well with Chelsea fans online.
"Neto has to be sold. Outrageous disrespect," one fan commented. Another said: "Get rid of him immediately," while a third wrote: "Neto has an awful attitude. He's playing wing-back and he's the furthest man forward when we're defending a lead. James was right to yell."
A fourth added: "Nah this is soo disrespectful, imagine shushing your captain because he asked you to track back."
Neto's Chelsea future is uncertain amid questions marks about his role under Alonso, who favours wing-backs over traditional wingers. The former Wolves players has been linked with the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City and Al-Hilal this summer, but Chelsea's £100m asking price appears to have deterred potential suitors for now.