Chelsea made a winning start under new head coach Xabi Alonso after edging London rivals Fulham 3-2 in a thrilling Premier League clash on Monday.
The visitors took just 31 seconds to open the scoring, with Cole Palmer setting up Joao Pedro, who produced a clever finish over Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
The goal was the fastest scored in the opening round of fixtures in the Premier League’s 34-year history.
Fulham responded in the 24th minute when Josh King beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez at his near post to level the score and ignite the home crowd.
Chelsea restored their lead shortly before half-time when new signing Maxence Lacroix broke forward down the right before cutting the ball back for Morgan Rogers. The club-record £117 million signing made no mistake from close range to put Chelsea 2-1 ahead.
Joao Pedro then turned provider four minutes after the restart, holding up the ball before finding Palmer, who fired through Leno’s legs to extend Chelsea’s advantage.
The goal capped an impressive return to form for Palmer, who endured an injury-hit campaign last season and was left out of England’s World Cup squad.
“It was a difficult season with injuries and whatnot, but through the summer and since I’ve been back I’ve worked extra hard,” Palmer told Sky Sports.
“Obviously with the injuries I’ve had to try and prevent them and work extra hard day in, day out. I know the talent I’ve got, so I can put in performances like that.”
Fulham reduced the deficit in the 54th minute through Gonzalo Garcia, who scored on his Premier League debut after reacting quickest when Sanchez could only parry Timothy Castagne’s effort.
The hosts pushed for an equaliser and came close in the 78th minute when Antonee Robinson attempted to chip Sanchez, but his effort drifted wide.
Chelsea managed to withstand the late pressure and held on for all three points, giving Alonso a victory in his first competitive match in charge.
The result came at the expense of Alonso’s former Liverpool and Spain teammate Alvaro Arbeloa, who was also making his Premier League debut as a coach.
Chelsea will be hoping the return of injured midfielder Moises Caicedo and new fullback Marco Palestra can strengthen the squad in the coming weeks.
Goalkeeper Sanchez could also face competition from Mike Penders, who has returned to Chelsea after a spell with sister club Racing Strasbourg.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, meanwhile, was met with loud boos from the Fulham supporters when he came on as a second-half substitute.