Rogers scores on debut, Palmer stars, as Chelsea beat Fulham in five-goal cracker

Debutant Morgan Rogers scored on his Chelsea debut, as the team secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham under Xabi Alonso's management. Cole Palmer was instrumental in the win, providing the assist for Rogers' opening goal and scoring himself soon after. The Blues displayed a scintillating performance in their opening match, netting the earliest goal in a Premier League season when Joao Pedro took advantage of Palmer's through-ball in the 35th minute.

Palmer's form was exceptional, possibly as a statement following his exclusion from England's World Cup squad. He was involved in the build-up for Rogers' second goal, a well-taken tap-in from Maxence Lacroix's square pass. The midfielder nearly scored twice before he capitalized on Joao Pedro's pass to score Chelsea's third. Despite Alonso's contentment with the attacking display, he was dissatisfied with the defensive lapses, particularly Robert Sanchez's goalkeeper performance, who failed to prevent Josh King's goal and then pushed Timothy Castagne's shot onto Gonzalo Garcia for a late equalizer.

Alonso will likely make more changes to the team in the upcoming week, as Chelsea aims to challenge for the title while addressing their defensive needs.