Xabi Alonso made his managerial debut at Craven Cottage with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Fulham on September 25, 2023. The win marked a nostalgic return for Alonso, who previously scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool two decades ago.

Despite the excitement of the match, Alonso's performance was far from flawless. The attacking trio of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, and Joao Pedro displayed potential, with Rogers justifying his £117m price tag. Alonso emphasized the importance of these players taking the lead within the team, stating, "They need to take responsibility, they need to inspire the rest."

Several players stood out, including Maxence Lacroix, whose assist for Rogers highlighted his debut, and Jorrel Hato, who impressed as a versatile left wing-back. However, concerns arose in midfield with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo absent from the start. Alonso noted the fans' support for Fernandez, amidst ongoing mixed reactions due to past performances.

A significant issue plaguing Chelsea remains the goalkeeping position, with Robert Sanchez delivering another disappointing performance. His blunders, including a soft goal conceded to Josh King, raised alarms. Alonso, however, defended Sanchez, emphasizing the need to focus on team performance rather than individual mistakes.

The manager faces pressure to transform last season's 10th-place finish into a title challenge, a task he believes requires patience. While options like Emi Martinez exist for potential goalkeeper replacements, Alonso's calm approach suggests he might resist immediate changes. The future of his project hinges on navigating these early challenges effectively.