Premier League Gameweek 1
Fulham
Aug 24, 2026 8.00pm
2
3
HT : 1 2
FT Craven Cottage
Chelsea
  • Josh King 23' goal
  • Gonzalo García 54' goal
  • Calvin Bassey 76' yellowcard
  • Timothy Castagne 88' yellowcard
  • goal João Pedro 1'
  • yellowcard Levi Colwill 5'
  • yellowcard Roméo Lavia 12'
  • goal Morgan Rogers 41'
  • goal Cole Palmer 49'
  • yellowcard Reece James  75'

Fulham 2-3 Chelsea: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Pedro, Palmer, Rogers light up Craven Cottage

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Chelsea claim West London derby bragging rights as Alonso's attack shines
© Iconsport / Sportimage Ltd/Alamy Live News

Chelsea secured the West London derby bragging rights with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

Chelsea raced into the lead after just 31 seconds thanks to Joao Pedro's delightful dink, and that early goal set the tempo for the half, with the two attack-minded sides trading chances in an energetic, back-and-forth clash.

Josh King eventually equalised for Fulham after a spell of pressure, with Robert Sanchez making a costly error, but Chelsea restored their lead just before the break through a debut goal from Morgan Rogers. 

The goals continued to flow in the second half, as Cole Palmer extended Chelsea's lead just five minutes after the restart, only for Gonzalo Garcia to pull one back on his Premier League debut six minutes later.

Fulham pushed for an equaliser as the game edged towards full-time, but Chelsea came closest to scoring when Pedro was denied a second for offside, with the Blues ultimately holding on to secure all three points at Craven Cottage.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Regardless of the result, both teams will take plenty of encouragement from their attacking performances, but there may be some concerns over their defensive displays.

Chelsea and Fulham both looked dangerous from minute one until minute 90, including their respective summer signings demonstrating their ability and contributing in the final third.

Chelsea's trio of Pedro, Palmer and Rogers looked particularly threatening, pressing high and constantly combining in attacking areas - something Chelsea supporters will be hoping to see even more of as the season progresses. 

However, the Blues did look defensively vulnerable, particularly goalkeeper Sanchez, who made errors in each of Fulham's two goals, while the Cottagers were caught in possession numerous times high up the pitch. 

Ultimately, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa will be largely pleased with their performances and will be looking to build on the positive aspects in the coming weeks.

FULHAM VS. CHELSEA HIGHLIGHTS

Joao Pedro goal vs. Fulham (1st min, Fulham 0-1 Chelsea)

Unbelievable start for Chelsea! Pedro scores after 31 seconds!

Jorge Cuenca's long ball forward is headed back into Fulham's half to Cole Palmer, who immediately slides a pass through to Pedro.

Pedro drives into the box and expertly lobs the onrushing Bernd Leno, finding the bottom-left corner.

Josh King goal vs. Chelsea (23rd min, Fulham 1-1 Chelsea)

King equalises for Fulham! Robert Sanchez will not want to watch that back!

King picks up the ball on the right side and plays a give-and-go with Timothy Castagne, receiving the ball back and driving into the Chelsea penalty area.

The midfielder quickly unleashes a strike towards the front post, catching Sanchez off guard with the keeper guarding the far corner, and the ball flies through the Spaniard's hands into the back of the net.

Morgan Rogers goal vs. Fulham (40th min, Fulham 1-2 Chelsea)

Rogers restores Chelsea's lead!

Palmer skilfully spins away from Sander Berge and plays through Maxence Lacroix, who brilliantly races towards the byline and pulls a pass back to Rogers inside the box.

Rogers calmly side-foots his effort into the middle of the gaping goal, beating two Fulham defenders on the line and finding the back of the net.

Cole Palmer goal vs. Fulham (49th min, Fulham 1-3 Chelsea)

Palmer makes it three!

Sanchez's long ball is flicked forward by Rogers to Pedro, who races into the Fulham penalty area and squares up his marker.

Palmer surges around the outside of Pedro, who waits for the run and plays a perfectly weighted pass to Chelsea's number 10, who clinically finishes through Leno's legs.

Gonzalo Garcia goal vs. Chelsea (54th min, Fulham 2-3 Chelsea)

Garcia pulls one back for Fulham! Game on!

Cuenca's long ball into the Chelsea box evades Levi Colwill and finds Castagne, who strikes a first-time effort towards goal with his left foot. 

Sanchez parries the ball back into the danger area, and Garcia is there to nod home on his Premier League debut.

MAN OF THE MATCH - COLE PALMER

© Iconsport / David Klein / Sportimage

Both sets of attackers produced impressive performances, but Palmer was certainly the pick of the bunch. 

Chelsea's number 10 looked at his very best today, consistently beating defenders, taking shots and creating chances, while also putting in a defensive shift. 

Palmer ended the game with the most completed dribbles (five), most shots (five) and three chances created, as well as registering a goal and assist.

FULHAM VS. CHELSEA MATCH STATS

Possession: Fulham 61%-39% Chelsea

Shots: Fulham 14-18 Chelsea

Shots on target: Fulham 6-6 Chelsea

Corners: Fulham 6-4 Chelsea

Fouls: Fulham 12-7 Chelsea

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Fulham's attention turns to the EFL Cup with a midweek match against AFC Wimbledon, before returning to Premier League action against Sunderland on Sunday.

Chelsea will also appear in midweek against Luton Town in the EFL Cup second round, followed by a clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

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