Chelsea began the new English Premier League season with a dramatic 3-2 away win over neighbouring Fulham, ending a four-year wait for an opening-match league victory. Joao Pedro scored after 31 seconds from Cole Palmer’s pass, while Palmer later struck the winning goal through goalkeeper Bernd Leno’s legs.

The match also brought together former Real Madrid coaches Xabi Alonso, now in charge of Chelsea, and Fulham’s Alvaro Arbeloa. Fulham levelled in the first half when teenage midfielder Josh King beat Chelsea goalkeeper Roberto Sanchez with a powerful shot.

Chelsea’s new record signing Morgan Rogers scored the team’s second goal on his debut, assisted by fellow debutant Maxence Lacroix. Fulham’s new recruit from Real Madrid, Gonzalo Garcia, restored parity and raised hopes of a point for Arbeloa’s side. Palmer’s late finish, however, secured Chelsea’s 3-2 win and gave Alonso a victorious start to his Premier League chapter.