Chelsea kicked off their Premier League campaign and a new era under Xabi Alonso with an entertaining 3-2 win over Fulham.

Joao Pedro sealed a dream start as he capitalised on dreadful defending by Fulham, lashing home the opener just 32 seconds in.

However, Fulham responded quickly. Josh King fired home an equaliser 20 minutes later, past a nervous Robert Sanchez, who should have saved the effort.

Chelsea’s record signing, £117m man Morgan Rogers, put the visitors back in front shortly before half-time. Two debutants combined as ex-Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix cut it back for Rogers to slot home.

Cole Palmer was rewarded for a brilliant performance, adding a third goal shortly after the restart, complementing his assist for Joao Pedro’s opener. Yet, Fulham came back once again. Gonzalo Garcia scored on his debut, punishing Sanchez for another error just five minutes later.

In the closing moments, Joao Pedro had a second goal ruled out for offside as both teams threatened late on. Ultimately, the Blues clung on to a victory that will nonetheless give Alonso some cause for concern.