In the final fixture of this round of the Premier League, Chelsea defeated Fulham 3‑2. Throughout the match, Alonso may be pleased with Rogers’ debut‑goal performance and Cole Palmer’s return to form, yet he will also be alarmed by how easily the defensive line was breached.
Impressive Displays From New Signings Only two out of Chelsea’s nine first‑team summer new signings started this game, and they happened to be the two most expensive arrivals. Rogers (£117 million) and Maxence Lacroix arrived at Stamford Bridge as proven Premier League players.
Maxence Lacroix won two aerial duels within the opening three minutes, one of which directly set up João Pedro to open the scoring. Playing as the central centre‑back in a three‑man defence, he distributed the ball sensibly, defended calmly and maintained constant communication with teammates.
Despite limited pre‑season minutes, Rogers linked up brilliantly with Cole Palmer and João Pedro during high‑press moments. His physical strength and progressive ball‑carrying brought a new dimension to the attacking front three. His on‑field understanding with
Cole Palmer goes far beyond off‑pitch friendship, and early evidence suggests both players have lifted Chelsea immediately.
Robert Sánchez Remains A Cause For Concern Robert Sánchez injected uncertainty into the back‑line. In the 14th minute, he hesitated far too long on Joshua Acheampong’s back‑pass, letting the ball roll out for a corner. Opposing shots that were not particularly tricky slipped through his grasp and into the net. Chelsea’s attack performed well enough to have won comfortably, until Robert Sánchez parried Timothy Castagne’s shot straight into the path of opposition attackers.
Robert Sánchez can pull off spectacular saves, yet lapses in concentration and execution errors render him far too inconsistent. This is his fourth season at Chelsea, and he has lost his starting spot in every single campaign.
Cole Palmer Stages His Comeback Nothing illustrated Cole Palmer’s determination to bounce back better than a brilliant assist with his second touch of the game this season. Receiving the pass from Maxence Lacroix, he instantly spotted João Pedro’s run into open space and delivered a delicate chip to send the Brazilian clean through on goal.
Minutes later, he nonchalantly chipped the ball over his own head into Rogers’ path. He was also dangerous off the ball, pressing aggressively and cutting passing lanes. Cole Palmer’s opening goal of the season came via a nutmeg through Bernd Leno’s legs. Reports note that after an injury‑hit campaign, he deserves better fortune. Keeping him fit and playing at this level elevates the entire Premier League.
Enzo Fernández Booed By Home Fans After coming on as a 65th‑minute substitute for Romeo Lavia, every touch from Enzo Fernández was met with boos from the home crowd. This marked his first official appearance in front of English spectators since his controversial showing in the World Cup semi‑final against England. He completed 17 out of 19 passes, most of which were horizontal sideways distributions. Enzo Fernández’s exclusion from the starting eleven fuels further questions over his future. Manchester City hold interest but are yet to submit any formal offer.
